IN THE FULLNESS OF (HIS) TIME……….

Galatians 4 verse 4:               But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his son, made of a woman, made under the law.

Ephesians 1 verse 10:            That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him: (Read verse 9)

Ecclesiastes 3 verse 11:          He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

On this fateful evening after a game of tennis upon closing from work, I was in the kitchen doing the dishes from earlier in the day, in preparation to put my dinner upon the cooker before dashing off to the shower; right then, it came to me just like an epiphany: “God will  answer all prayers within his will in the fullness of time”

Going back memory lane to around noon of the very same day, I was pondering albeit audibly to the hearing of my colleague at work and I said thus (para-phrase); “some people are quite fortunate with everything working out for them while I keep praying and praying without any remarkable changes.” My colleague answered me in this manner (para-phrase): “don’t think like that, else you will stop praying. All you need do is keep praying for God’s mercy.” The statement I made is one I believe that very many of us have had a point in our lives, even if we don’t air it.

This evening’s similitude of an epiphany that I earlier referred to seemed a perfect response to my thoughts which I voiced out earlier on in the day. This got me pondering and pushed me deep into thought.

After reflecting on the issue at hand, I have come to realise that God has truly answered my prayers albeit in the fullness of his time and not within my (carnally) predetermined framework and timeline.

One particular requests comes to mind quite vividly. Sometime in 2015, due to a sequence of events, I felt that some individuals had certain misconceptions due to misinformation (or probably one-sided representation) about my role in the events. I earnestly prayed that God should change any misconception and change every negative impression about me. I prayed and I prayed, but alas, things seemed to be spiralling out of hand. Then I relented, thinking – oh well!!!!! It was only this evening (when the year 2016 is fast counting down. Over a year past the period) that I realised that “in the process of time” from then till now, God had done marvellously well! It is just like an illumination had taken place in the minds of all involved and the truth imprinted on their minds. There are several other requests and answers that could be recounted, but I have decided that this singular one would suffice.

In the book of Ephesians 1 verse 9 quoted above, it is evident that the will of God, which is a mystery to the world (verse 8) has been revealed to his Children. The fact that the mystery is revealed doesn’t mean it will come to manifestation instantly. It takes a process which involves time and hence I refer to it as “the process of time.” This is a key distinction between MAGIC and MIRACLES! God is a “God of order”, he detests chaos.

In Isaiah 9 verse 6 the coming of Christ was already foretold: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be……” but it was only in the “fullness of time” as stated in Galatians 4 verse 4 that the promise was made manifest.

This is a clear message of hope to help build Faith in the brethren.

We are assured of testimonies and good news (Jeremiah 29 verse 11) for God’s plans towards us a good to meet an expected end. No wonder the scripture says in Proverbs 23 verse 18: “For surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut-off.”

The scripture makes us realise that God holds his word to the highest regard (Psalm 138 verse 2, Isaiah 55 verse 11), therefore we need not fret for a shout of joy is assured! WHAT GOD SAYS, IS THAT WHICH HE WILL SURELY DO!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance!!

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WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?

Exodus Chapter 4 Verse 2 – “And the Lord said unto him, What is in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

Our God is an all-powerful God, a God capable of creating from absolutely nothing! But yet He still abides by certain tenets or may I say codes. He doesn’t just act because he can act, the scriptures in Psalm 138 verse 2 says as much: “……… for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name”. This in itself shows that God abides strictly to his utterances despite the fact that he is accountable to no one. God is a God of orderliness, he sets rules and laws to govern the universe and he ensures that they are adhered to fully. A display of this, is the way God has granted man the ability to make decisions of his own volition; this is the gift of free-will. He is the creator and can very well impose his wishes on us and in my opinion, that is his prerogative! If we are in doubt of the preceding statement, we need not look farther than man and his inventions. Man creates for certain purposes and he dictates that the purpose be explicitly and unconditionally met, but God (though he) created man to fear him and keep his commandment as can be seen in Ecclesiastes Chapter 12 Verse 13, (God) doesn’t impose it on us to do this, rather he has given the power to choose. No wonder the scriptures says in Deutronomy 30 Verse 15: “see, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;” Even Adam and Eve had this free will! For they could either decide to obey God and abstain from the forbidden fruit or disobey and do otherwise; as we all know, they did the latter. Joshua brought the Israelites to the realisation of this in Joshua 24 verse 15: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve………….”

It is quite pertinent to note that God desires to use tools – you and me – to execute his plans and desires and this is inspite the fact that he doesn’t actually need us to achieve anything. The scripture in Luke 19 verse 37 - 40 says he could raise stones even if the disciples were to hold their peace (that is, stop praising him during the triumphal entry). When God wants to use a man or work with a man, he always start out with what he possesses. Dr. D.K. Olukoya once said that God will only start with what is in your hands before he advances to what you seek. The story of the talents is an apt illustration of this. They had to make use of what was in their hands before God gave them more! Another illustration of this, is from the text where we saw how God used what Moses had – the rod – to perform many great signs and wonders. Looking through the book of Judges Chapter 6 verse 11- 14, we see the call of Gideon and it is quite interesting to note that in verse 14 the Lord told Gideon to go in this his might! Implying that God was going to make use of what Gideon already had. Similarly we can also look at the widow of one of the sons of the prophet whom God through Elisha multiplied oil for the repayment of all her husbands’ debt. We can go on and on citing biblical examples to this effect.

It is now so clear why Jesus said in Matthew 17 Verse 20 that with Faith as little as a grain of mustard seed you shall say unto this mountain, remove yourself to yonder place and it shall remove. This is simply stating a fact that nothing is too little for God to use! The key is that you must identify the “little” and make use of it. God wants something in you to work with. It is in fact a given that all God needs is something little; that little input, that little commitment then he will multiply it. The scripture says in Isaiah 42 verse 8 I (God) will not give my glory to another. So when God is out to achieve something great with or through a man he ensures that he produces output/results from an impossible situation given what is available at hand! Gideon’s case is an example of this. God cut down the number to 300 men and used that inconsequential number to win great victories. God did something similar when with just shouts, a highly fortified city was left exposed due to the crumbling of their walls. No wonder the scripture says in 1 Corinthians 1 verse 27 I will use the foolish things of this earth to confound the wise. It is no wonder that God seems to root for the underdog. Throughout the scripture, God seemed to have a penchant for bringing men from obscurity to do mighty things. If we are in doubt, I will list a few: David, Jepthah, Gideon, Ruth, the Apostles and so many more. I now wonder if the words in Psalm 118 verse 22 which says the rejected stone has now become the cornerstone, is further backing to this allusion.

The onus therefore lies with us from now on going forward to identify what we have in our hands, use it and let God multiply it especially for his (God’s) work and ask God to takeover and do the rest, that all glory might be given back to him because of the mighty works he will do through you which would have been otherwise impossible without him.

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DEALING WITH THE CRITICAL NATURE

Matthew Chapter 7 Verse 1-3:   ¹Judge not that ye be not judged. ²For with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. ³And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

John Chapter 3 Verse 17: For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world

through him might be saved.

John Chapter 12 Verse 47:  For if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

1 Corinthians Chapter 6 Verse 2-4:  ²Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ³Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? ⁴If then ye have judgements of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

Having read through the above quoted scriptures, one might say the fourth (last) scripture quoted looks out of place with rest and possibly opposes/negates the message being pushed forward by the first three scriptural texts. Upon deliberate study and meditation on the scriptures, it is clear that this is not so! And this is part of the reasons for this article. May the Holy Spirit grant us understanding of God’s word in Jesus name (Amen!!!).

Now, going back to the title of this article and in particular the bolded word therein: CRITICAL. Critical in the context of this article is in reference to the negative aspect of this tendency in the quintessential reality, both in Christendom and outside of it, but with more emphasis on the brethren within the faith. The critical nature referred to in the context of this article borders on (but it is not limited to) cynicism which itself exudes (or gives out) a negative energy.

The key difference between the first three scriptures above and the fourth one, is the nature of the judgement being doled out. Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:2-4, was referring to a good type of judgement. This type of judgement is one that aims to correct, and brings about a CONVICTION towards a wrong-doing. This type of judgement brings about a positive change in lives, and thus, this is not the focus of our discourse in this article. On the other hand, the first three scriptures point at judgement that tends towards condemnation and is thus accusatory in nature. This type of judgement is often tailored towards putting down others. It is often borne out things like self-righteousness, hate, pride, and generally things that are not part of the fruit of the Spirit. This judgement is often self-serving. The sort of judgement apostle Paul refers to in the fourth scripture quoted above, is borne out of Love: Love for God, Love for the Kingdom, and Love for the brethren. The focal point of this type of judgement is the three fold ministry assignment (with reference to RCCG digging deep manual 501 - 600, page 7, the army of the Lord part 2) namely; Ministry to God, ministry to the brethren and ministry to the world. This type of judgement is sacrificial in that;

1. It serves God’s interest rather than our interest by promoting his ideals and will over ours

2. It serves the interest of the brethren, by promoting positive change in their lives towards re-aligning them with God and strengthening their standing in Christ, rather than putting ourselves in the good books of particular individuals possibly for recognition and favours.

3. It serves the world, by setting a positive example of how we were/are intended to live (from the onset) in God’s master plan, thus, it serves to draw them into the fold.

The devil is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation Chapter 12 Verse 10). Criticism and judgemental tendencies are his tasks-at-hand. Imbibing such is carrying out his mandate and bidding, thus, making one possibly his agent (though unwittingly in most cases).

David’s life will give us further insight into this subject matter. We will take a look at his life, first as a follower/subordinate and then as a Leader.

AS A SUBORDINATE/FOLLOWER

He never criticised his leaders, namely; King Saul, even though he had cause to. No wonder the scripture admonishes us to pray for those that are in authority (1 Timothy Chapter 2 Verse 1-2). It is interesting to see David’s response to Saul upon Saul’s attempt on his life in 1 Samuel 24. Paying attention to verse 9 – 16, we see David’s direct utterance to Saul. He depicted the kind of judgement in 1 Corinthians 6:2-4 and in verse 16 we clearly see that Saul was pricked in his heart and he realised his wrongdoing. A lot doesn’t need to be said about what transpired between David and King Saul. Reading through 1 Samuel Chapter 24 – 28 will give a clear understanding of this.

AS A LEADER

David as leader wasn’t critical rather he offered correction where the need arose. A clear case of this can be seen in 1 Samuel Chapter 30 Verse 16 – 31. His response to the men who felt that those who remained behind in the battle against the Amalekites shouldn’t partake in the sharing of the spoils, is a clear example of what is being discussed here.

1 Samuel 30 verse 23-24: ²³ then said David, ye shall not do so my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. ²⁴ For who will hearken unto you in this matter? But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

The tone and intent with which the message was passed is clear to see. He didn’t do it out of high-handedness and he made sure they all saw the reason behind his choice.

The fruits of the critical nature are murmuring, back-biting, gossiping, sarcasm and the likes. One of the fruits borne out of LOVE is CORRECTION, for whom you love you correct. Correction is supportive, understanding and patient.

We should also take a cue from Jesus’ style.

The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) as well as that of Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) are prime examples of what is really expected from us as believers on this issue of judgement. What would have happened if Christ had gone all out condemning is best left to the imagination. Jesus never condemned them nor rubbed their misdeeds in their face, but at the end they were convicted of their misdeeds.

How do we do away with this nature?

1.       Watching our Conversation:  I Corinthians chapter 15 verse 33 – Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Communication these days transcends one on one conversation, it as well includes the kind of information from the news outlets and media (both conventional and social media) platforms, musicals and the likes. The issue of condemnation and critical tendencies has become the trend everywhere, and it becomes quite easy to get sucked into this trend. As a result, we now – more than ever – have to be very circumspect in our reactions and what we act upon as well as being overly selective on what we let in. to a large extent, we need to withdraw ourselves from the negative influences.

2.       Modelling Ourselves after Positive Biblical Characters: The bible is filled with numerous role models after which we can model ourselves. It is a given that we need not look beyond these biblical champions of our Faith starting from Abraham, David, Daniel, Jesus, Peter and numerous others. Taking a deliberate study of their lives and how they went about issues of the Faith will provide us with a navigational guide.

3.       Be slow to speak: We need to constantly evaluate our words before they are spoken. Start evaluating each word carefully before speaking. The scripture says in Matthew Chapter 15 verse 11: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. The tongue is a little member of the body, but if bridled, the entire body will put under control (James 3:2).

4.       Pray for Empathy: Empathy, enables us to put ourselves in the shoes of others and consider the circumstances that led them to where they are. It helps us get a glimpse of what and how they are feeling.

Note: Empathy doesn’t lead us into endorsing or justifying their actions but rather, it leads us into helping them from a standpoint of understanding rather than high-handedness or self-righteousness.

In all, we need to come to the realization of the uniqueness and individuality of every one. We should thus, avoid comparison and embrace uniqueness. We need to consciously resist the urge to criticize and overtime it will become natural.

We also need to limit ourselves to facts and certainties. Try as much as possible to do away with assumptions, presumptions and second-guessing.

This article is by no means exhaustive, and additional input, in form of contributions and corrections will be greatly appreciated. Thanks and God bless us all!!!!

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