When was the last time you heard some “good news” about someone you used to know? You quickly go into your brain archives to dig up all the contrary evidence you have of this person. Their not so good history, the history that holds all the reasons why they shouldn’t be beneficiaries to such good news. You’re probably not like that, in fact you have never had such thoughts about anyone. Doesn’t the Bible say “whatever things are pure…think on them” and you’re such a “good Christian”. You have done pretty well for yourself and deserve a standing ovation. But you see, some of us are still in the Potter’s Hand, our minds are still being renewed daily, we are constantly torn between who we are and who we ought to be. I have a confession to make and while I’m at it please try not to judge me.
The month of June is always extra special to me but this year added some toppings to the cake. If you’re a Nigerian you probably were aware of the #HallelujahChallenge but for those who are in the dark I’ll explain it. Nathaniel Bassey a Nigerian Gospel artiste inspired by the Holy Spirit, hosted a 1 hour praise session everyday in the month of June. What made it amazing was the fact it was online and started at 12 midnight. People tuned in from all over the world and because it was live, you could see when anyone joined and even dropped a comment.
I remember joining and after a few days I started seeing some names pop up in the feed and when I mean names I’m referring to some “Secular Artistes and Actors”. I’m not sure what went through my mind but I could literally hear my self judging them and wondering what they were doing in such gathering. They should probably be sleeping and not staying awake to join some bunch of people who were praising, reading the Bible, praying in known and unknown tongues. But God reprimanded me, who was I to determine who joins in a praise session? Was my blood offered to God on their behalf? Who made me judge? Oh!!! My foolishness stared at me and I repented.
Just when you thought the world had few of my kind (before I repented) multiple headlines make the news. Few days ago the justification of Tasha Cobbs featuring Nicki Minaj on one of her songs was and is still a topic of debate. While listening to a Mix on YouTube the song popped up. I instantly remembered the ongoing debate, and because my mind is always very busy I remembered my perception during the #HallelujahChallenge and it didn’t stop there, I was equally reminded of Rahab the Harlot in the Bible.
For a long time I wondered why Rahab was mentioned in Hebrews 11 in the hall of fame of faith. At the back of my mind I knew she deceived the soldiers who were looking for the spies and I’ve always questioned the rationale of her making the list. But I was so wrong and God wanted me to know the truth. A teaching series on the heroes of faith from Hebrews 11 has been going on in my local Church. It’s been an exciting journey but so far Rahab’s teaching has been my best. Joshua 2: 9 – 11 holds something profound and “she said to the men,I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the terror and dread of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted [in despair] because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan [on the east], to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. When we heard it, our hearts melted [in despair], and a [fighting] spirit no longer remained in any man because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” While God sent signs to Abraham, Sarah, Moses etc she only heard of God’s exploits and believed He is God. Her faith came by hearing and like the Word says “Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God”.
for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” While God sent signs to Abraham, Sarah, Moses etc she only heard of God’s exploits and believed He is God. Her faith came by hearing and like the Word says “Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God”.
Rahab the Harlot, the somewhat “Nicki” of her time although not similar in occupation but are both unlikely candidates for the job they carried out. Negotiated the safety of not just her but her entire family, she would later become the great – grand mother of King David and many years later Jesus Christ was born from the descendant of the King. A look through the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1, only five (5) women were mentioned : Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Uriah’s wife and Mary. Go and do an extensive research these women would never have ticked the boxes of our holy standards to birth the Savior of the world. Oh!!! May God break us especially those of us who sit in the front row in Church, who lead the Prayer team, may He break us to see through His lens. The “good, born-again Christians”, what does this even mean? Once you’re a Christian in the true sense of the word you’re Christ-like. It’s either you’re Christian or not, no extra qualification.
So hear it from a repented heart, God loves you as much as He loves Nicki. Yes, she may not tick your box of Christian standards but God sees her through the Blood of Jesus. What I think we should do as the body of Christ is to lift her up in prayers. God’s ways are sooo far from ours and He works in mysterious ways. He can use anyone and anything to His glory and like Rahab said “He is God in heaven and on earth” and like Nicki said in I’m getting ready
‘Cause me and all my angels shot the devil up
While you was trying to pull me down I levelled up
I levelled up twice, I levelled up three times
He tapped ’em and told ’em “she’s mine”
So even when I cried I knew I’d be fine
Prepare for a miracle blessing in these times
Now praise Him, raise Him, name it, claim it
Every tongue that rises up against me, shame it
I breathe success in and out my lungs
I got the power of life and death coming out of my tongue
And like she said God tapped them and told them she’s mine. These are prophetic words and as you said believing the power of life and death are in your tongues, I speak the life of Christ over you and may your life point the world to Christ.
May we all be gracefully broken that we can accommodate others.
Loads of Love
JMAD
N/B Photo Credit : Google Images
JmadReflects 