A happy new month to us. How have we been? Trust we're good?
For people that naturally work from home, the lock down might not necessarily be a new thing as it were, and as well for introverts. But for people who are purely extroverts, and people used to going to work every morning, it might move from being a new thing, to a very strange thing. But then, either category we find ourselves, I would admonish us to keep faith, and perhaps limit the negative news we hear, and see all around us.
For all it counts, for some of us, it might be a time to start again. A time of reflection. As well, April being the start of a new quarter, we might want to look back to see how much we've done with our dreams. If little, we might want to pinpoint the reason we've done so little and put measures in place to make the second quarter a much greater and fulfilling experience.
As well, for people who find it hard to rest due to high extroversion, or the pressure at work, you might try your best to use this time to rest and recoup strength, as everything made by nature always needs renewal at some point. Who knows? This might sadly be the earth renewing itself in some sense.
As a result of my thought over the week, I wrote a poem (more like a food for thought). Here:
Here we are
The world is silent
All we hear are crickets
Where are the prophets?
All we hear are crickets
Where are the prophets?
The world is dark
A little pure light would see a thousand miles
Where are the lights of the world?
A little pure light would see a thousand miles
Where are the lights of the world?
Creatures are groaning
A pathway has been made for the Saviour
Who would proclaim salvation?
A pathway has been made for the Saviour
Who would proclaim salvation?
II
A prayer for those who die lone
Warmth for those on the sick bed- all alone
This plague, like the strong wind that parted the red sea
Makes plain the ground humanity's soul thrives on
A prayer for those who die lone
Warmth for those on the sick bed- all alone
This plague, like the strong wind that parted the red sea
Makes plain the ground humanity's soul thrives on
Love. Warmth.
A hand shake here, a hug there.
A hand shake here, a hug there.
The seemingly little things we cherish not
Makes the world go round
For man without a neighbor (to love, or loved by)
Is like dead flesh that rots away in the grave.
Makes the world go round
For man without a neighbor (to love, or loved by)
Is like dead flesh that rots away in the grave.
Our touches matter
Our smiles, our hearts.
Our smiles, our hearts.
But now, we need our Creator's touch
For only a mother's love
Can nurse to life, a sickly baby
After all said and done.
For only a mother's love
Can nurse to life, a sickly baby
After all said and done.
III (Prayer)
As the earth heals itself from our corrupt touches (air pollution and all)
Heal us Lord-
Earth's Inhabitants,
Your church on earth
And our bodies.
Let everything together be renewed
So when this is over
And the earth sadly has sloughed,
Let there be life. Let there be vibrance
Let our hearts all be renewed. Our smiles, our touches:
A new earth we pray
(Or do You have rapture in mind to create a new earth?)
Heal us Lord-
Earth's Inhabitants,
Your church on earth
And our bodies.
Let everything together be renewed
So when this is over
And the earth sadly has sloughed,
Let there be life. Let there be vibrance
Let our hearts all be renewed. Our smiles, our touches:
A new earth we pray
(Or do You have rapture in mind to create a new earth?)
In the meantime
Save us oh Lord.
Save us oh Lord.
A completion of the thought might be the fact that in the Old testament, when things like this happen and nations inquire of God, He sends a prophet to give a word, and sometimes solution. These solutions most times defy science (as in the case where a snake was hung and all who looked at the snake were healed, or as well, the time Moses was meant to keep his hand lifted up so the nation of Israel could win their battle at the time. Numbers 21 and Exodus 17).
But then, a look through the new testament, I have not necessarily seen a place where a prophet was raised to speak to the nations (except for evangelism). Meaning, in an era like this (new testament era), the solution lies on the leading of the Holy Spirit within us, and not necessarily a unifying prophet. This solution may vary based on assignment, location, and other factors.
I guess these are the times God would instruct households specifically on what to do. He may also instruct churches individually as well. I guess Jesus was/is the last general prophet sent to the world, unlike the days of the Old testament. Perhaps it is why men we look up to as revered servants of God has nothing to say at this moment (?).
Whichever way, I guess it's time for us to individually press in and hear what God would like to say to us. Time to take heed the words He's been speaking, but we've been ignoring. Time to make a change for good. Time to be better. Indeed, a time for renewal. So, as the prayer part of the poem goes, I pray we all (the earth inclusive) find ourselves renewed by the time this is over. Healing as a matter of fact is taking place, if only we can key in into the season. Most likely in this lockdown, we all are learning to appreciate each other, as well, pay attention to what really matters. Parents are appreciating teachers, promiscous spouses are learning the importance of family and vowing to cling to their families; and as well, humanity as a whole is appreciating health workers- those who put their own lives at risk to make sure a chunk of humanity stays safe.
An effective prayer to pray in this season would be for God to open our inner eyes, our ears, as well as our hearts. Only instruction(s) would keep us safe/healed at this moment. With respect to Moses and the snake incidence, those who were plagued got their healing based on instruction. And those who were not plagued got immuned via intercession (for it was after people died that they lifted up their voices to God. As a result of the act, those who were not plagued were kept safe, and those who were already affected got their healing as soon as the snake was put up, and they as well, looked up).
Till I come your way next week by His Grace, keep being in God's Presence. Only with Him lies all the safety.
N. B- This is my thought. Other thoughts are much welcome.
Photo Credit: blogspot.com
Connect with me on social media via-
Facebook: Soul Writer
Instagram: cream_legend
Twitter TheEniolaO
LinkedIn: Eniola Olaosebikan
Email: soulwriteralways@gmail.com
It's bothered me a little that everyone is silent, particular men we see to be prophets. Bothered me a bit that no one can bring us God's mind.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the world has been turned over to science? Where God instead of speaking through a man of God would make wisdom available for a scientific solution to be reached?
What do you think people? Would be a pleasure to discuss.
The situation is really perplexing, that the agency of God on the Earth, the Church is clueless. However it shows us that mainline church has been focusing on the wrong emphases over the past few years. I'm saying that because in the midst of this crises we are totally thrown off-guard just like the world.
DeleteRecently I had a Facebook interview with an Abuja-based pastor (I could share the link with you) and we delved into this whole matter. One of the things we talked about was that the Lord was using this situation to reveal the present condition of the body of Christ to us. May we take dressing and make the necessary adjustments, especially in our teaching and doctrinal focus.
This is not to say I put my hope in prophets. No. As a matter of fact, I am so wary of 'prophets'. It just baffles me that this would happen and no prophet would see it prior, or perhaps find a solution.
ReplyDeleteNote: this thought of mine is based on Amos 3:7. And as well, the fact that Abraham was able to see what was about to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah at the time, with an effort to bargain. Are there no friends of God in this age? Are we all sleeping as Christians? (This question applies to all Christians. 'Big man of God' or 'mere child of God')
Or perhaps everything happening is simply end time? (Which has been foretold a long time ago). And perhaps all we should ask for is for Grace to make it to the end? And as well, for God to shorten the time of suffering?
ReplyDeleteSincerely, its a call for attention. We really need to hear God for ourselves. It would amaze us to know that God might have chosen not to reveal so much to these prophets, so we can get closer to him. Thank you ma for this.
ReplyDeleteVery true- we need to hear God for ourselves and stop relying wholly on the old testament way. The people in the old testament were without the Holy Spirit, hence the need for a prophet/priest. We have the Holy Spirit, and direct access to God.
DeleteWith regard to God revealing, Isaiah 42:19 comes to mind. Perhaps it's what is playing out here. For indeed, if God does not show, none would see.
"Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the Lord ’s servant?"
Isaiah 42:19 NKJV
Thank you for stopping by. A pleasure to write.
DeleteCorona Virus is not a sign of the end of Time.
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ said that plagues, wars, famines, natural disasters, etc, will surely happen but you can’t use it to predict the end of Time.
He said “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come (Matthew 24:6)”.
Have these terrible things not been happening since the days of the first disciples of Christ (Matthew 24:6-8)?
That is over 2000 years.
So why did Jesus mention them if they don’t mark the end of Time?
He did so because false preachers will use them to deceive people.
Is it not happening today?
If people hear of ISIS, Boko Haram, Corona Virus, Ebola, Earthquakes, etc, they start shouting “end time!”
Has the end come?
I did that too but the light of understanding had delivered me from the darkness of ignorance many years ago.
Read Matthew 24:1-51 and Luke 17:20-37.
Hmmmmh. This is a worthy angle.
DeleteThank you for this brand new angle. Would take my time to read Matthew 24. A million thanks
We can't really say why He didn't reveal it to any "man of God" or any of His children what was coming but one thing it exposes is many of us have better relationship with "men of God" than God. Many us don't know we are the churches, not the buildings. It is a call to know our God for ourselves (Daniel 11:32b) and stop depending on any man of God like they did in the old testament (which is the result of the Fall in Genesis 3) because we are all created to serve as KINGS and PRIESTS (1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 5:10). The prayer is, "Lord help me know you and hear you daily." That has been my prayer.
ReplyDeleteSo true. The sooner we wake up as Christians, the better. Everything we need is right inside of us (via the Holy Spirit and intimacy with God). We need not rely on any 'men' of God to know things. Neither do we necessarily have to be prophets.
DeleteAbraham was not a prophet title wise, but he functioned in the place of a prophet because he happened to be a friend of God.
It's time to see what really matters- our relationship with God, instead of the men He sends (and those who per adventure sent/sends themselves).
Like yours, my prayer for a while has been for God to open my inner eyes, ears, as well as heart.
Thank you for weighing in.
We can't really say why He didn't reveal it to any "man of God" or any of His children what was coming but one thing it exposes is many of us have better relationship with "men of God" than God. Many of us don't know we are the churches, not the buildings. It is a wake up call to know our God for ourselves (Daniel 11:32b) and stop depending on any man of God like they did in the old testament (which is the result of the Fall in Genesis 3) because we are all created to serve as KINGS and PRIESTS (1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 5:10). The prayer is, "Lord help me know you and hear you daily." That has been my prayer.
ReplyDeleteSo true. The sooner we wake up as Christians, the better. Everything we need is right inside of us (via the Holy Spirit and intimacy with God). We need not rely on any 'men' of God to know things. Neither do we necessarily have to be prophets.
DeleteAbraham was not a prophet title wise, but he functioned in the place of a prophet because he happened to be a friend of God.
It's time to see what really matters- our relationship with God, instead of the men He sends (and those who per adventure sent/sends themselves).
Like yours, my prayer for a while has been for God to open my inner eyes, ears, as well as heart.
Thank you for weighing in.
The priesthood of all believers is part of what the new testament brings to us so yes, the old testament model of focusing on one man as the access point to the Father is obsolete. However, we need the ministry of prophets, apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Their mission is not to serve as intermediaries to God (which is what we have made it BECAUSE of our OT paradigm).
DeleteTheir responsibility is to impart a portion of Christ. They are empowered and commissioned by Jesus Christ to help us mature to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:11-15).
We are in trouble because we have changed that purpose. These men of God are meant to help us become the house that God can inhabit (1 Cor. 3:9, Rev. 21:3)
The recent happenings is a sign of the end of time but not really the end because there is still going to be more and more plaques and unrest in the world but at last there is going to be a central solution which will usher in the antichrist and men will begin to submit so they can have access to the world solution and help.
ReplyDeleteJust as you have asked is there no prophet to tell us the mind of God and you equally gave the answer that the solution lies within us most especially as Christians this calls for sobriety and total dependence on God so we will not miss out of what God is communicating to us.
Hmmmmh. Total dependence on God. Very true.
DeleteMay we not miss out on God's plan for us in these peculiar days in Jesus name.
Thank you.
Amen.
DeleteThere's nothing new under the heaven. That's very apparent. While this generation is shooting what's this. The scripture is replete with all manner. The plaques in Egypt were not jokes. For some wondering is the Bible was some fiction I believe this may help as answers. One major reawakening for me as someone with non-believing family members is to intensify effort. I mean for one, What If this was the end and rapture took place already, apparently most of us won't be here. What about our unsaved family?
ReplyDeleteAnd I won't lie that I was taken this whole lockdown as a personal attack sometimes last week. I mean For real I won't be going out? Lol...
Very true ma'am. Knowing God for ourselves indeed brings peace.
Delete@ unbelieving family members- God help us all. May we not miss the rapture in Jesus name. And yes, nothing new indeed under the sun.
Thanks sis.
Melony Ishola
@lockdown personal attack๐๐๐
I guess some of us has been on lock down since 1980...lol. Welcome to our world. Enjoy our hospitality before we chase you out of our space...lol