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The caretaker’s eldest son rushed over to my front porch on the evening of December 29, 2021. As soon as I had pulled aside the sliding door leading onto my front verandah. He mumbled beneath his breath, “Mr. James I’m hungry.” I could barely decipher exactly what he was trying to say. Accordingly, I asked him to repeat himself several times, until I understood the full import of his attempts to communicate with me. I was in the process of leaving my apartment for my evening walk, but I heard him. On previous occasions, such a complaint had elicited either bread, or bread and fried fish, or even money from me. Today, however, I was already late; and the approaching darkness and possibly rain would afford me no special consideration. If I didn’t get out and get back home in a timely manner.

I looked toward the open space frequently used for cooking, and washing pots and other utensils, by the tenants who occupied the apartment on my left. There were still live pieces of coal glowing in the hearth of the small iron stove utilized by my neighbors. So I said to him, “Your cousin just took a large pot off of her fire, why not ask her for some dinner?” I walked towards their front entrance as if intending to make the request on his behalf. Surprisingly, He shook his head vigorously in opposition to my suggestion and warned me to, “Ask her nothing!” He appeared not only to be profoundly embarrassed at such a prospect but also quite determined to prevent it from happening.

His cousins are very poor. They are never able to pay for the electrical credits on time. Because both families share the same meter. Moreover, when the time comes for them to pay their portion of the water bill they rarely have the money to pay in a timely manner. The only kindness I see the caretaker’s family rendering to my neighbors on the left are live coals of fire as needed and nothing more. The caretaker’s eldest daughter would cook and prepare me a delicious dish of contembre and Pona Yam and feed me. Especially when I was down with Bronchitis and Malaria. But I have never seen them sharing food with their cousins. Both of my neighbors ask me for food, and I oblige them with bread, sardines, oil, yam, tomatoes, and rice from time to time.

The caretaker’s family are hard workers. They rise from 3:30 A.M. every morning, make a large wood fire in front of the shed they use for a kitchen, and prepare a very large pot of porridge. Many patrons of theirs come from the surrounding area to purchase a small plastic bag full of warm, delicious, cloying Kenke porridge. The caretaker’s wife also travels as far as the adjoining village of Kato to sell her early morning meal. Whenever she returns by around 11:00 A.M., all her containers are empty. They aren’t rich. But they have enough to support their four children and take care of all their necessary expenses.

What a contrast to my neighbors who live on the left. A family of three most of the time but sometimes there are as many as 8 people there. The eldest girl is now 22, and she has had six abortions to date. Her younger sister routinely plays the whore. She is an attractive slender girl and the caretaker’s family has warned her repeatedly of the inherent dangers of her lifestyle. All to no avail. I have personally pleaded with her not to get pregnant. She thanked me for my interposition. In fact, I even offered her a job cleaning my apartment, ironing my clothes, and attending to any other necessary domestic routine. But she refused. She prefers to spread her legs and work on her back. Her cousin, the caretaker’s eldest son wouldn’t countenance me asking her for food on his behalf. I don’t know exactly why but I suspect it’s prejudice. This is one of the conditions of humanity’s sinful nature that is widespread. It is also ancient. Insomuch that the woman of Sychar was surprised that Jesus wasn’t prejudiced against her.

“So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.” (John 4:5-9 NKJV)

For many reasons, Jews were prejudiced against Samaritans. However, although Jesus was saddled with all the liabilities of three thousand years of humanity’s sinful condition. Thanks be to The Lord Almighty, The Messiah was not a sinner. Prejudice is defined in the following way

“an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason. Any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable. Unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, especially of a hostile nature, regarding an ethnic, racial, social, or religious group.” (Dictionary.com)

Racism is another form of prejudice that is alive and well even in Ghana “Today I hold a totally different view: racism does exist in Ghana as well as many other African countries. The only difference is that it’s not ‘the direct in your face’ kind of racism but rather a more subtle one. One that is equally if not more disastrous than the kind of racism that exists in the U.S. The general rule however remains the same ‘lighter is better.’ Light-skinned individuals who come from mixed families are generally more favored in Ghanaian society. This is evident right from the preschools to top government levels. Lighter-skinned school children are generally treated better in school and given more attention-both by their peers and their teachers. Most TV and print commercials showcase lighter-skinned individuals in order to sell their products, and many Ghanaian men will quickly admit to preferring women who are lighter-skinned. Having been away from Ghana for a long time, I cannot tell if this trend has changed much, but given the fact that many Ghanaian women still opt for skin bleaching products, I would think that it still exists. As one woman put it in a newspaper article in Ghana, “If you no bleach, men no go call you.” (CIRCUMSPECTE: Ghana’s Strain of ‘Racism’: Ethnocentrism and Religious Identities, January 16 2009, by Jemila Abdulai)

Even the disciples of Jesus were vulnerable to feelings of prejudice. Because they sought to dismiss the pleadings of the Syrophoenician woman who came to Jesus begging for mercy on her daughter’s behalf.

“Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV).

Some people have misconstrued this passage of scripture to claim that Jesus was prejudiced. That belief is far from the truth and merely exposes their ignorance of scripture. Jesus merely acted in a manner that was consistent at the time with Jewish thought and culture, to test her faith. The Son of The Lord Almighty, The Author of life, The Saviour of the world, The Fountain of Truth, The Source of all mercy and goodness. Could not refuse the pleadings of one of His own creatures. Not only did He commend her faith, but He also gave her exactly what she wanted.

The U.S.A. and most European countries have had a long and painful history of prejudice. Most recently in America, some Southern states have enacted laws to make it more difficult for minorities to vote. This is merely an attempt to return to Jim Crow days during which white privilege was pre-eminent. All such activities have their foundation in prejudice.

Nineteen states have passed 33 new laws this year that make it harder to vote, according to an updated analysis released Monday by the liberal Brennan Center for Justice. The report, which covers legislative activity through September 27, finds that:

• Four states bundled together an array of new voting restrictions into single omnibus bills: Texas, Florida, Georgia and Iowa.
• Four states — Arkansas, Montana, Texas and Arizona — passed multiple laws to restrict voting.
• Many state laws hit on common themes. Seven, for instance, imposed tougher identification requirements to cast ballots. Seven states also shortened the window to apply for a mail-in ballots. (CNN POLITICS: Voting Rights Under Attack, by Fredreka Schouten, October 4, 2021).
• All of these enactments are designed to discourage minorities from voting.
• People who have experienced the new birth will do their utmost to ensure. That they are not used in any way to further oppression, discrimination, or any form of injustice. For all such vices are different manifestations of prejudice.

We live in a world of dissolving certainties. Practices that weren’t even contemplated one hundred years ago are commonplace today. For example, America elected a president five years ago that we are now beginning to discover has had a long criminal history. To what extent he will be held responsible for his nefarious deeds is yet to be seen. We read,

On both the criminal and civil litigation fronts, former President Donald Trump faces a bevy of lawsuits and investigations, with more cases likely to follow. Some are civil suits stemming from his pre-presidential business dealings. Others are defamation claims from women he allegedly assaulted. More still are criminal probes and civil actions that scrutinize his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. (JUST SECURITY: Litigation Tracker, Pending Criminal and Civil Cases Against Donald Trump, February 28, 2021).

Crime is also on the increase in America in general. But the increase in the murder rate is simply phenomenal. For some strange reason, there is an outbreak of violence nationwide and people are venting their frustration by taking the lives of others. We are informed,

The U.S. murder rate rose 30% between 2019 and 2020 – the largest single-year increase in more than a century, according to data published this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The findings align with a separate tabulation of the nation’s murder rate published in September by the FBI. The CDC tracks murders by analyzing information contained in death certificates. The FBI tallies murders by collecting information from thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country. Despite their different methodologies, both sources point to a sharp rise in the U.S. murder rate during the pandemic year of 2020, even as the rate itself remained well below the level of earlier decades. (PEW RESEARCH CENTER: What We Know About The Increase In U.S. Murder Rates, October 27, 2021).

Malefactors are now organizing themselves into large strike groups, breaking into department stores in large shopping centers, snatching large quantities of valuable merchandise, and then making their getaway in speeding cars. The rules of social decorum and appropriate law abiding conduct have not changed. But criminals seem to have less compunction to adhere to them.

About 69 percent of retailers said they had seen an increase in organized retail crimes in the past year, pointing to factors including the pandemic, policing, changes to sentencing guidelines and the growth of online marketplaces, according to a recent retail security survey from the National Retail Federation, an industry trade group. Respondents said that the groups involved have become more aggressive and violent. This month, a group of about 80 people rushed into a Nordstrom store in Walnut Creek, Calif., outside San Francisco, and stole merchandise, with many escaping in speeding cars. There were also “smash-and-grab” robberies at other retailers in San Francisco around the same time, including Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Burberry, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. (THE NEW YORK TIMES: Robberies Are Becoming An Increasing Concern For Retailers, by Sapna Maheshwari, November 26, 2021).

Family problems have existed since the very beginning of time. We are informed in scripture that Adam accused his wife Eve of giving him the fruit that God had forbidden both of them to eat. We also know from the sacred record that Cain murdered his brother Abel. Furthermore, Joseph’s 11 brothers conspired together to murder him but subsequently sold him into slavery. Domestic violence is also as old as time itself. Since Michal complained to her father king Saul, (after he accused her of betrayal in connection with David), “I had to let him go. Because he threatened to kill me.” Today domestic violence has reached crisis proportions.

With 90 countries in lockdown, four billion people are now sheltering at home from the global contagion of COVID-19. It’s a protective measure, but it brings another deadly danger. We see a shadow pandemic growing, of violence against women. As more countries report infection and lockdown, more domestic violence helplines and shelters across the world are reporting rising calls for help. In Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, government authorities, women’s rights activists, and civil society partners have flagged increasing reports of domestic violence during the crisis, and heightened demand for emergency shelter. Helplines in Singapore and Cyprus have registered an increase in calls by more than 30 percent. In Australia, 40 percent of frontline workers in a New South Wales survey reported increased requests for help with violence that was escalating in intensity. (UNITED NATIONS, WOMEN: Violence Against Women And Girls, The Shadow Pandemic, 06 April, 2020).

I attended undergraduate school in Jamaica, West Indies for four years from 1971 to 1974. Subsequently, I also lived and worked there between 1975 and 1983. That experience introduced me to a period of national instability inside that Island nation. During that period of time not only was I a witness and sometimes an active participant in a national debate that consumed the nation. I was also a witness to some horrific acts of political violence. That seemed to be widespread in many slum communities in Western Kingston. Murders by gangsters that were sponsored by both the People’s National Party, and The Jamaica Labour Party were routine. The outbreak of civil war in many impoverished communities was part of every political campaign. I sincerely hope and pray that a similar phenomenon will definitely not envelop America. We read,

Last week, America dodged a bullet. More precisely, it dodged a kidnapping. The FBI arrested 13 men who plotted to violently overthrow the government of Michigan, kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and “try” her for undisclosed crimes at a hidden location in Wisconsin. It’s hard to gauge the impact of such a plot on the American body politic had the kidnappers actually reached the point of attempting to seize an American governor. It would have been a convulsive event in an already-strained and fractured nation. But as we pull back our focus from Michigan, the stories grow more grim. This weekend a hired security guard shot and killed a right-wing protester at point-blank range in Denver. In early September in Portland, Oregon, an Antifa-sympathizer allegedly shot and killed another right-wing protester and then was himself gunned down in a confrontation with federal authorities. (TIME: The Growing Danger Of Political Violence Threatens To Destabilize America, By David French, October 14, 2020).

For all of the above-mentioned reasons, the NEW BIRTH is crucial. Because if I have not experienced such a supernatural change in my own sinful human nature. Then at some point in time, I will inevitably be sucked into some or all of the maladjusted behaviors listed above. This list is by no means exhaustive. Because not even a book would be sufficient to list all of the manifestations of human wickedness. No society will ever have sufficient resources, financial or otherwise, to address every form of aberrant human behavior that will ultimately arise in society. Accordingly, unless there is some form of phenomenal supernatural change, individually and collectively, then we are all doomed.

The bible describes the dynamics of this change. All those who experience it are born of water, i.e. they must be baptized. The Master Himself is the perfect example.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.  And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. (Matthew 3:13-15 NKJV)

The second aspect of this rebirth is affected by The Holy Ghost. It is not an experience that can be explained because it is supernatural. Nevertheless, it is real and the after-effects can be clearly seen.

“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7 NKJV).

This spiritual birth is sustained by prayer.

“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.” George Herbert

3. “God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. You can bring everything to him in prayer.” Rick Warren

4. “If you only pray when you’re in trouble, you’re in trouble.” Anonymous

“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” Soren Kierkegaard

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The new birth is also nurtured by daily Bible study.

1. “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” Theodore Roosevelt

2. “Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.” Ronald Reagan

3. “The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, not the way the heavens go.” Galileo Galilei

4. “The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.” Martin Luther

5. “If you are ignorant of God’s Word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.” – Billy Graham

6. “Whether we are reading the Bible for the first time or standing in a field in Israel next to a historian and an archaeologist and a scholar, the Bible meets us where we are. That is what truth does.”

7. “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”― Charles H. Spurgeon

8. “I believe the Bible is the word of God from cover to cover.” — Billy Sunday

As The Lord Almighty stated to Joshua,

 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8 NKJV).

There are many benefits to be gained by studying sacred history and attempting to understand the dynamics of the relationship existing between a righteous, holy God and His sinful people. Ancient Israel was not only sinful, however, but they were also totally depraved. And their historical condition is also the present condition of the entire human race. We read,

“My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?” (Hosea 11:7 NKJV)

Their sinful condition merited severe punishment and rejection but The Lord Almighty still continued to pursue them in mercy and love. The prophet continued,

“How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror.“ (Hosea 11:8-9 NKJV). Incidentally, Admah and Zeboim were two towns located near Sodom and Gomorrah. They suffered the same fate as those two corrupt and perverted cities when The Lord Almighty overthrew them.

Shortly after the people of Israel were delivered from Egyptian bondage, God entered into a covenant with them. Where they promised that they would keep all of His commandments. We are informed,

“So Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has said we will do.” And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.” (Exodus 24:3-8 NKJV).

The problem with this agreement unfortunately is that it was never honored by the Israelites. They never kept it during their long and colorful history as God’s chosen people. It is precisely for that reason that Hosea and other major and minor prophets have repeatedly referred to the incessant backsliding of God’s people. Israel’s apostasy was so chronic and pronounced that their oppression by the Assyrians and subsequently the Babylonians was permitted by the divine government. Not only to chastise them for their sinfulness but also to bring them back to God.

It was impossible for them to keep this covenant in their own human power. Because ever since Adam sinned, at that very moment human nature became totally depraved. The Lord Almighty already knew that. However, His people also needed to learn and understand that sobering TRUTH. Not only for themselves but also for the benefit of the entire human race. The history of ancient Israel is therefore symbolically the history of mankind. The Psalmist David pleads,

“For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight….Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm51:3, 4, 5 NKJV).

How then can anyone escape? Especially since the very act of reproduction is tainted with sin.

Accordingly, Israel’s God proposed a New Covenant. We read,

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34 NKJV).

That’s why the birth of Christ The Saviour was mandatory. Because without His intervention in human history the human race would be doomed. The only way that any descendant of Adam would be able to keep God’s holy Law was by divine aid.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 2:18-21 NKJV).

Not only from the consequences of Adam’s original sin but from all sin. God’s sacred law demanded the death of the entire human race. They were Adam’s progeny and consequently were subject to the death decree.

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ (Romans 6:23 NKJV).

The shepherds watching over their sheep in the Judean hills were focused on the Roman colonizers. The announcement of their heavenly visitors painted a much bigger picture.

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a SAVIOUR, who is CHRIST THE LORD. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'” (Luke 2:8-14 NKJV).

What the people of Israel had failed miserably to do during 1800 years of repentance and backsliding. The Son of God would accomplish during His 31 years of life on planet earth. Not only did He keep God’s Moral Law perfectly on our behalf. He also died a substitutionary death to pay for every sin that was ever committed by every member of the human race. Furthermore, His resurrection from the dead is a guarantee of eternal life. To all those who have accepted Him as their Saviour from sin. We read,

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23 NKJV).

 

Every day now we hear new reports of Members of Congress issuing outlandish/outrageous threats/insults against members of the opposite party. The biggest offenders to date include Republican Congressman Paul Gosar who posted a video depicting violence against Democratic Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez.

“Republican Rep. Paul Gosar posted a photoshopped anime video to his Twitter and Instagram accounts showing him appearing to kill Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and attacking President Joe Biden. Ocasio-Cortez tweeted in response Monday saying a “creepy member” of the House had “shared a fantasy video of him killing me.””And he’ll face no consequences bc @GOPLeader cheers him on with excuses,” the New York Democrat added. As part of the initial tweet, Gosar asked, “Any anime fans out there?” He also shared a link to the video. Gosar is portrayed as a cartoon anime-type hero and is seen attacking a giant with Ocasio-Cortez’ face with a sword from behind. The giant can then be seen crumbling to the ground. Another scene shows Gosar flying through the air, swinging two swords at a character with President Biden’s face.” (CNN POLITICS, November 10, 2021).

Another firebrand in The House of Representatives Is Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. She seems to be well gifted at aggravating the nerves of her democratic colleagues of color. Unfortunately, however, her only motive seems to be that she hates the women mentioned, primarily because they belong to another race or faith.

On Day 3 of the controversy caused by Lauren Boebert’s suggestion that a Muslim member of Congress might be a terrorist, the Colorado Republican said that she “can’t wait” to debate the issue with Rep. Ilhan Omar on Fox News primetime show. Yup. That’s what she said. What the two would debate is not entirely clear to me. Boebert said on multiple occasions that Omar, a Democrat who represents Minnesota in Congress, was a terrorist. She also said that Omar was “black hearted” and “evil.” And she regularly refers to Omar as well as Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts as the “Jihad Squad.” (CNN POLITICS: The Point by Chris Cillizza December 1, 2021)

Another colorful character in the constellation of Republican politicians. Gifted at attracting negative attention to herself, is Marjorie Taylor Greene. She accomplishes such a feat by the outrageous, irrational, and simply delusional statements that she is so infamous for making.

Freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, has been stripped of her committee assignments by the House Democratic majority over racist remarks, her embrace of conspiracy theories, and her past endorsement of violence against leading Democratic officials. Greene, 46, is a newcomer to politics, and previously worked for her family’s construction business in Georgia. She was labeled a “future Republican Star” by former President Donald Trump, whose political style she emulates. The House Democrats took the unusual step on Thursday. In 2017, Stephen Paddock opened fire from a hotel room window overlooking an outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 people. Afterward, Greene suggested that the shooting might have been staged. “How do you get avid gun owners and people that support the Second Amendment to give up their guns and go along with anti-gun legislation?” Greene asked in an online video. “You make them scared, you make them victims and you change their mindset, and then possibly you can pass anti-gun legislation. Is that what happened in Las Vegas?” “I don’t believe (Paddock) pulled this off all by himself, and I know most of you don’t either,” Greene said. (AP NEWS: A Glance at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Incendiary Words by Brian Slodysko February 5, 2021).

All of these people are American citizens. They all had the benefit I hope, of one of the best educational systems in the world. I imagine that they all had presumably supportive parents. But by virtue of their current conduct one wonders where things could possibly have gone wrong during their formative years? Their words and conduct reveal that they are filled with hatred, prejudice, malice, and are apparently predisposed to engendering and using violence against their political opponents. They all appear to have one thing in common. They admire and hold up Donald Trump as their great exemplar. An extremely poor model indeed. All the current information that we have about that personality. Reveal that he has had a long history of criminal conduct. He has sexually assaulted several women, cheated on his taxes, refused to pay many of his building contractors, was impeached for corrupt conduct, cultivated a relationship with white nationalists, and most recently lied, and conspired with criminals to overthrow a fair election so that he could be installed as an authoritarian ruler. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. All of these people are in desperate need of the new birth.

Few people are very concerned about the afterlife. They spend most of their time and effort preparing for this life. Unfortunately, however, unless we master certain basic characteristics not only will our existence in this life be a living hell. There will be no realistic hope of existence in the life to come. We all need a good character. That concept has many definitions.

The Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Helen Keller.

Character is not something that you buy; it is not a commodity that can be bartered for; it is not a quality suited for only the rich and famous; rather, the character is built upon the foundational commitment of love, honesty, and compassion for others. Byron R. Pulsifer.

Tolerance is a fundamental character trait of great people and a part of the attitudes and practices of those we admire and respect. People without tolerance are diminished and poor. John K. Carmack.

It should be obvious to all that the possession of a good character is definitely not a piece of cake. It is an attribute that has to be worked at and carefully cultivated, as long as life lasts. Accordingly, insulting, threatening, demeaning, and trying to belittle others will only lead to our own moral ruination.

The Master Teacher puts it this way,

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:27-31 NKJV).

The important thing to bear in mind here. Is that there is an invisible moral order. Over which we have absolutely no control. That force, if you will, can bring about good or evil in our lives. As we read in scripture, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” Consequent upon his wicked life of rebellion against The Lord Almighty and his pursuit of all that was opposed to good. The prophet Elijah was sent to pronounce a message of doom against the corrupt king Ahab.

“So Ahab said to Elijah, ‘Have you found me, O my enemy?’

Isn’t it unfortunate that evil-doers invariably rail against those who try to rein them in and bring them back to the pursuit of righteousness. Just because people do everything they possibly can to save us doesn’t mean that they hate us.

And he answered, ‘I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the Lord:  ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on you. I will take away your posterity, and will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both bond and free. I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger, and made Israel sin.’

Every evil-doer will definitely not suffer this fate. Because there are varying degrees of wickedness. Similarly, every lost person will not burn for several days in hell since there are degrees of punishment. But why engage in a life of conduct that will ultimately lead to a place of torment?

And concerning Jezebel the Lord also spoke, saying, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Ahab and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field.’ (1Kings 21:20-24 NKJV).

The inescapable truth here is that we are being studied and carefully observed by supernatural agencies. They are all at the disposal of The Lord of Creation. He makes things happen because He controls all reality. He decrees for our lives whatever He thinks is appropriate and against His judgment, there is no appeal. What was about to come upon Ahab and his entire family was a fate for which they had all fervently labored.

But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up. And he behaved very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites had done, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.” (1 Kings 21:24-26 NKJV).

(TO BE CONTINUED).

 

Today China has many problems. For starters, many Chinese citizens are freezing this winter not only because it’s impossible to mine coal in the usual mining areas of that vast country. Due to punitive downpours of rain. For some period of time, the CCP has been trying to punish Australia for speaking out on several issues of international import. Including China’s belligerent posture towards many of its neighbors. Along with its clumsy attempts to cover up the true origin of the Covid-19 Virus. As a retaliatory measure, the CCP has blocked the importation of Australian coal. However, by doing so they have only increased the winter misery of their own citizens.

Another serious problem being faced by China is air pollution. Recently the Chinese Capital of Beijing has been shrouded in heavy smog. With visibility in that city falling to less than 200 meters. The concentration of pollution particles in the air that people try to breathe reached such an unhealthy level. That, schools were ordered to stop Physical Education classes and outdoor activities. Highways were also closed due to poor visibility. Authorities blamed the smog on unfavorable weather conditions and regional pollution spread. China happens to be the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Primarily because it generates about sixty percent of its energy needs by burning coal. The dense clouds of smoke ascending from China’s gigantic power plants are the main causes of smog in northern China. (Paraphrased from The China Morning Post).

China was home to many of the world’s most polluted cities and is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region experienced particularly severe air pollution, with an annual average fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentration of 93 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) in 2014, which far exceeded both China’s national standard and the standard advised by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to 2015 estimates by the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning (CAEP), emissions of PM_2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) substantially exceeded the cities’ environmental absorptive capacity by 80 percent, 50 percent, and 70 percent respectively. (THE WORLD BANK, CHINA: Fighting Air Pollution And Climate Change Through Clean Energy Financing).

China is also wrestling with an extremely serious water pollution problem. More than eighty percent of China’s groundwater is heavily polluted. Industrial pollution and farming have rendered them unsuitable for human utilization. According to statistics reported by the Chinese media more than eighty percent of the underground water in large river basins of mainland China is unfit for drinking or bathing. Because of contamination from industry and agricultural activities. Approximately four hundred out of six hundred cities in the country use groundwater as their source of drinking water. Contaminants like fluoride, manganese, and compounds used in fungicides were found present in the water.

Much of China’s farmland is contaminated by pollutants, including arsenic and heavy metals. Such contaminants pose a threat to the country’s food production according to experts. The professional assessments of contamination levels go as high as forty percent. More areas are gradually being affected. The degree of contamination is intensifying and the range of toxins is increasing. Pollutants can stay in the soil for several hundred years unless it’s properly treated. China’s worst soil contamination is caused by arsenic release during the mining of copper and other metals. Arsenic is the most dangerous chemical and China operates approximately two hundred and eighty thousand mines. Current estimates are that fifty percent of the farmland in Southern China is polluted by heavy metals including Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury, and also petroleum organic compounds. (Paraphrased from CN News: China’s Soil Pollution Problem)

The convergence of toxic waste and agriculture has resulted in a soil contamination crisis in China—nearly one-fifth of China’s farmland is polluted.  For example, in Hunan Province, a center of non-ferrous metal mining, it is estimated that 10% of the rice is contaminated with cadmium, a carcinogenic chemical. (Wilson Center, September 18, 2014)

But how and why was this state of affairs arrived at? The Bible tells us that originally God made everything perfect. We read, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. (Genesis 1:31 NKJV). China is not the only country suffering from environmental degradation. This quagmire is universal. But in China, the problem is most acute. Just as emotionally disturbed children violently destroy their toys and are often cruel towards animals. In like manner, the human race is busy building weapons of mass destruction to destroy civilization. As if that development wasn’t serious enough, now we are polluting the environment so severely that ultimately the earth will be uninhabitable. We have some extremely serious problems. We are instructed, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV)

The problem of human wickedness is not confined to any one race it’s universal, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NKJV). Furthermore, lest anyone should be seduced into thinking that some people are better than others. We are cautioned, “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” Romans 3:10-12 (NKJV). As long as humanity is grappling with the sin problem. Nowhere will be safe from us while we are living there. Not even the planet Mars will be safe. Since the theologically ignorant Mr. Elon Musk, who doesn’t even pray, would like to build a human colony there.

The wise man Solomon stated over three millennia of time ago, “That which has been, is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NKJV). In other words, the very same moral and environmental crises that we are experiencing today existed in prehistoric times. In the first book of the Bible, we read, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:5,11. NKJV). For thousands of years, wise men have wondered about the mysteries of virtue and goodness. During the Middle Ages, various people made pilgrimages to holy shrines just to achieve a deeper spiritual experience and possibly change. The Savior summed it all up when Nicodemus, a prominent member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. Paid Him a visit one evening after dark; because he was also desperately searching for TRUTH. The world’s Redeemer hit the nail right on the head by asserting, “Most assuredly, I say to you unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 NKJV)

Trips to Accra from Berekum these days are more expensive than they used to be in the past. Back in 2014 such excursions would only cost 50.00 GHS one way (US$25.00). Now the fare is 73.00 GHS (US$12.16), one way. Depending on exactly which VIP coach you take for the ten-hour journey. My most recent trip was on Monday, November 29. Even though I made previous arrangements with one of my regular three-wheeled taxi drivers. To pick me up at the same location where I normally disembark. when returning home from my frequent trips to Berekum. He never showed up even though I arrived at that spot at the exact time agreed upon by both of us, 5:30 A.M. This failure on his part caused me some nervousness. But I didn’t panic. Because even though I arrived at the coach station very early in the past we never departed until around 7:30 A.M. I didn’t have to spend too much time waiting because approximately ten minutes after arriving there. I was able to board another three-wheeled taxi which happened to be empty.

I arrived at the station in a timely manner, purchased my ticket, and waited with the rest of the passengers for the arrival of the coach. At the appointed time I attempted to get on the coach taking my duffel bag which was hanging over my shoulders. While carrying my small red suitcase with one hand. After getting on and finding a comfortable place to sit. I was told not only that I was in the wrong seat. But that the arrangement that I had attempted wouldn’t work, and was instructed to take my suitcase to the luggage bay of the very large coach. I did as I was told and paid an extra 5.00 GHS for this facility. The total cost of my trip to Accra was therefore 78.00 GHS (US$12.72). Once again I climbed the stairs leading to the interior of the huge limousine which I soon discovered was able to accommodate sixty passengers when full.

I retrieved my duffel bag from where I was sitting at first and attempted to locate my wallet in the usual place. A small pocket at the front of my bag. My right hand fumbled around in that small space in vain. Since my wallet wasn’t there. I returned to my new seat but my wallet wasn’t there either. I went over to where I was sitting previously but those two seats now had new occupants. Once again I frantically searched every pocket in my duffel bag but my wallet was nowhere to be found. Confusion, fear, and panic were about to take over my life. When I heard the voice of a man saying to me, “Sir, are you looking for your wallet?” I answered in the affirmative. Since it was lying at his feet, he kicked it towards me. I promptly picked it up and thanked him profusely. How quickly, suddenly, and unpredictably can unexpected calamity overtake us in this fragile life of ours? Some stray animal attempts to cross the road and is killed by a speeding motorist. Four children left home for school in Oxford, Michigan on Tuesday morning, but now are lying in the morgue.

OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The 15-year-old student accused of firing on his classmates at a suburban high school, killing four and injuring seven Tuesday, faced a slew of criminal counts Wednesday as authorities released more details about the events leading up to the attack. Prosecutor Karen McDonald identified the teen as Oxford High School sophomore Ethan Crumbley, noting he would be tried as an adult on charges including first-degree murder and terrorism. The suspect pleaded not guilty to all charges. District Court Judge Nancy Carniak denied bond.

1. “At its best, life is completely unpredictable.”- Christopher Walken
2. “I figured something out. The future is unpredictable.”- John Green

Is it any surprise therefore that we are warned in sacred literature to be sober since the future is absolutely unpredictable. We are counseled, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7 NKJV).

The coach left the station at approximately 6:45 A.M. We passed through downtown Berekum slowly and carefully. When we arrived at the village of Kato some officers dressed in military fatigues were at the first so-called Immigration stop. The bus was waved down by a female soldier. The driver got out, walked over to where the commander was standing, and after a brief exchange, the captain of that unit approached the coach, stood at the door, and addressed me since I was sitting at the front. “Do you have your passport with you,” he asked me? I replied in the negative. He asked me to disembark from the coach and invited me to accompany him to the small office located near the road. He continued, “Where are you from?” I replied that “I was from the U.S.A.” “This is very serious,” he protested. “You know that you are not a Ghanaian, therefore you should always have your passport with you.” “What kind of Visa do you have?” he asked. “I have a ten-year multiple entries visa,” I replied. “Is it up-to-date?” He persisted. “Not really,” I advised. “I updated it in May and it cost me 1600.00 GHS to do so.” “I can update it when I leave or whenever it’s convenient.” “That is what I’ve been told by the Immigration authorities,” I informed him. “Not true,” he insisted. “You should always upgrade it two days before the expiration date,” He contended. I didn’t try to argue with him. “Anyway, since you are traveling with a reputable transportation company I will permit you to continue on your journey. Just give me 300.00 GHS and go,” he concluded. “Sir, I only have 100.00 GHS (US$16.00),” I replied. I extracted that amount from my wallet, placed it in his hand, and left.

After returning to my seat on the VIP Coach, I discovered that the lady sitting next to me and carrying her baby was married to a pastor of the Pentecostal Church. I said to her, “I don’t understand this, the officer never got onto the bus. He came to the door of the limousine, looked straight at me, and demanded my passport.” Her reply was, “It’s because of the color of your skin.” This explanation made no sense to me because even though I was light brown, I was still a member of the Black Race and I had met several Ghanaians in Berekum who were also light brown in complexion. As I attempted a mental reconstruction of the events that had transpired in connection with myself. I came to the realization that where I was seated was no accident. I had been specifically located in a seat at the entrance. To give the constabulary and soldiery easy access to me. No wonder the driver said to me during the course of my conversation with the captain, “Talk to him and talk to him very well.” Now I clearly understood that this was a set-up. To prey upon North Americans and Western Europeans. Since those are the only countries with currencies strong enough. To supplement the loss of purchasing power being experienced by all Ghanaians. Consequent to the creeping devaluation of the Ghanaian Cedi.

Oil-rich Middle Eastern countries also enjoy such purchasing power. But when their citizens go abroad they travel mostly to North America and Western Europe. As I thought about the amount of money I had so easily surrendered, I almost kicked myself several times. One hundred Cedis might only amount to US$16.00 externally. But in Berekum that amount of money represents two large pieces of Pona Yam, three cans of condensed milk, four large loaves of whole wheat bread, six cans of sardines, and three cans of sugar. Enough to keep me supplied with those items for one month. Gradually it dawned upon me that I had been shaken down by a con artist in uniform. He was younger than me, had less education, and had only limited access to current information. Yet he was able to scam me. Regrettably, I have learned repeatedly at the University of Life. That knowledge and education are no match for cunning, treachery, subterfuge, and outright deception. My grand-aunt used to say, “You can hide from a murderer and a thief. But it’s impossible for you to hide from a liar.” My experience is by no means unique. Corruption is a way of life in Ghana.

More than half of Ghanaians say the level of corruption in the country has increased and the government is doing a poor job in fighting it, a new Afrobarometer survey shows. Approval ratings for the government’s anti-corruption efforts have declined sharply since 2017 after more than doubling in the previous three years. The survey shows that most Ghanaians perceive at least “some” corruption in key public institutions, and a majority fear retaliation if they report graft to the authorities. Ghana ranks 78th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index, three places below its 2017 position. (AfroBarometer 1999-2019).

After I returned to my seat on the VIP Coach the driver continued on the journey to Accra. Not very long afterward the baby who was in the arms of the lady sitting beside me. Introduced himself by pressing his feet as hard as he could against my left thigh. I responded by gently stroking his chin with one of my fingers. Soon she placed him in my arms since the time to feed him had arrived. She proceeded to prepare his formula and then she fed him. After all of that routine was completed her son had a massive bowel movement. The mother did the sensible thing and commenced changing him immediately. The stench struck the driver squarely in his face. Apparently, he was the only one on board with powerful olfactory senses. “What’s going on here?” he complained. “All of this can wait for a few minutes. Since we are only a few moments away from the convenience stop!” I rose to the defense of my newfound infant friend and asserted, “Sir, he has no control over this. He is only a baby.”

All the wise men of Egypt were summoned when Pharoah had a problem and yet they couldn’t help him. Likewise, Nebuchadnezzar attempted to obtain help from his soothsayers and astrologers. But no appropriate help was forthcoming. The world certainly hasn’t changed. To date, since the beginning of the Covid-19 plague. I have heard no authoritative message from any government or religious leader worldwide. Inviting the populace in any country. To repent and turn to The Lord Almighty. For divine guidance and intervention. King David was a godly man so when he had a serious problem he didn’t waste time running around in futility. Seeking human aid. Because we are already forewarned in scripture that human help will fail. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come.'” (Jeremiah 17:5-6).

The stated objective of the medical community and other experts is to achieve herd immunity in the countries of the world. By vaccinating enough people. To retard the spread of the virus and weaken its mutation potential. How can this goal be achieved, however, if anti-vaxxers are on the increase? Because there is real and fierce opposition to vaccination mandates not only in North America but right across Europe. For example, “Violent protests have broken out against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and lockdowns across Europe amid new tough rules to curb winter waves of the virus. Demonstrators, angry about the new measures gathered in Austria, Croatia, Italy, Northern Ireland, the French territory of Guadeloupe, and the Netherlands to protest the moves. In the Netherlands, the second night of riots broke out Saturday over a partial lockdown, one day after police opened fire on people protesting the rules in Rotterdam. Protesters hurled fireworks at police and set fire to bicycles in The Hague, as cops used horses, dogs, and batons to chase the crowds away the BBC reported.” (New York Post November 21, 2021).

There are also other troubling and possibly catastrophic developments. “During the pandemic, an international movement opposed to Covid-19 vaccines and restrictions has grown on social media, often muddled with conspiracy theories and dangerous falsehoods. Now some committed activists are pursuing a new direction – organizing online dating, house shares, and possibly even blood banks just for the unvaccinated. It’s one of a number of similar networks that we’ve discovered online. They are hubs of conversation punctuated with videos and posts containing dangerously misleading and unfounded claims about Covid jabs. Many in these groups share a belief that the coronavirus pandemic has been concocted by a shadowy global elite for sinister purposes. Concerns about vaccines – including totally unfounded beliefs that simply being near a vaccinated person can make you ill – are driving them to try to build online and offline communities away from the mainstream. Activists are trying to establish elements of a parallel culture as an alternative to vaccinated society.” (BBC NEWS 13, August 2021). If the medical community’s hypothesis of herd immunity is correct. Without international social cohesiveness and the cooperation of the citizenry of each country, such a goal will be unattainable. Accordingly, Planet Earth will be stuck with Covid-19 for many years to come.

Another cause for great concern is that although millions of people in Europe and North America are being vaccinated. Breakthrough infections are also on the increase. Our physicians, pharmaceutical companies, and scientists are doing their very best to save human life and mitigate the effects of this pandemic. But will their best efforts be enough? Many people worldwide are praying but many more need to do likewise. The spiritual eyes of David were opened and he saw God’s messenger of destruction. “…And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Then David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who was striking the people and said, “Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.” (2 Samuel 24:16-17 NKJV).

The king of Israel was fully persuaded in his own mind that the plague had been sent because of his own sin in conducting a census of the nation. But his belief was far from the truth and contrary to divine revelation. That catastrophe had resulted because of some secret sin among the people, of which David was completely ignorant. Whether it was secret persistent idolatry. Or some form of continuous seething rebellion against the divinely appointed government. We don’t know because the cause has not been revealed. Furthermore, we are specifically informed in scripture, “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4 NKJV). The Lord Almighty is not looking anxiously over our shoulders and trying to catch us unexpectedly in some transgression for which he can mete out punishment. The Lord Almighty is forever a God of love and mercy. We are counseled, …”Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.  Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32).

Since David was playing the role of a priest on behalf of the nation. By expressing penitence and pleading for mercy for the benefit of his people. The Lord Almighty responded by sending the prophet to him with a message. “And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David, according to the word of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded.” (2 Samuel 24:18-19 NKJV). Kindly note that The King of The Universe is not withdrawn and secluded in some remote ivory palace outside of our solar system. As a matter of fact, He is in this land. Indeed, He is very near. We are counseled, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV). Moreover, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 135:18 NKJV). Furthermore, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). The king responded obediently and with immediacy.

Israel’s leader headed over to the threshing floor accompanied by a retinue of his servants. The Jebusite saw them coming and went out to meet them. After extending the customary courtesies acceptable for that day and age Araunah questioned, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” And David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.” (2 Samuel 24:21 NKJV). The Jebusite offered the threshing floor along with wood and oxen to king David for free. The Monarch refused, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” 2 Samuel 24:24-25.

Israel’s leader built the Altar of Burnt Offering himself. This act was both personal and communal. Since it was also on behalf of the people. The Altar represented God’s people. By doing so he was rededicating, recommitting, and reconsecrating the people of Israel and also himself to The God of Israel. The Burnt Offering represented the righteous life of Christ The coming Messiah. Every penitent sinner needs to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ The Saviour. When he stands before God’s throne of judgment. So that he may appear spotless and blameless before God’s high bar of jurisprudence. The Peace Offering was eaten by the penitent worshipper and the priest. Symbolizing the fact that through Christ alone every repentant sinner has peace and fellowship with God. The blood of the Peace and Burnt Offerings were sprinkled upon the sides of the Altar of Burnt Offering. Indicative of the solemn reality that unless every sinner is cleansed and purged from all sins, both known and unknown, by the blood of Jesus. Then he can neither be covered with the spotless life of Christ. Nor enjoy peace and fellowship with God.

If the Covid-19 Pandemic has come upon us by virtue of a divine decree, and I suspect it has. Then it will only end by another divine decree abrogating it. Will I sound judgemental if I assert that there are many sins of which we need to repent? Because God does not change. He has always been and will always be a proponent of righteousness.

 

Before I get into the body of this article let me observe that although there were a few cases of Covid-19 in Berekum. No one suffered any physical distress or life-threatening complications during the course of the illness. All those who contracted the virus recovered fully, and there were no fatalities. I’m constrained to say that living out in the country, far from city life’s water and air pollution has its benefits.

We hear a great deal about God’s wonderful love in many sermons preached every weekend. But we hear next to nothing about God’s wrath. Which is a doctrine carefully and repeatedly taught in scripture. While I don’t plan to dwell too much on that subject today. We are reminded in scripture that God’s displeasure was again invoked against His people on a certain occasion. We read,

“Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” So the king said to Joab the commander of the army who was with him, “Now go throughout all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and count the people, that I may know the number of the people.” And Joab said to the king, “Now may the Lord your God add to the people a hundred times more than there are, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king desire this thing?” Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the army. Therefore Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel.” (2 Samuel 24:1-4 NKJV).

We are not told exactly why God was displeased with His people. We do know, however, that by and large David was a righteous king. Nevertheless, The Almighty felt that because of invisible and unknown sins among his children. Some appropriate pruning of His subjects was in place. However, He does not immediately execute His judgment. Instead, He permits Satan to tempt King David to commit a visible transgression. The king of Israel succumbs and all the fighting men in the nation are ultimately numbered. This would be fine if it had occurred in a vacuum. But God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be innumerable. We read, “Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” (Genesis 15:5 NKJV) In requiring the enumeration of the nation was David guilty of distrusting God’s promise?

Furthermore, The Lord Almighty gave a specific command to Moses pertaining to any census that was taken and in this case, that divine mandate was not followed. We read, “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “When you take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man shall give a ransom for himself to the Lord, when you number them, that there may be no plague among them when you number them. This is what everyone among those who are numbered shall give: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (a shekel is twenty gerahs). The half-shekel shall be an offering to the Lord. Everyone included among those who are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering to the Lord.” Exodus 30:11-14.  Historically, David had an extremely sensitive conscience. This is repeatedly displayed when one reads about the life of this legendary king of Israel. After the census of the nation is accomplished. He is overwhelmed with feelings of remorse and guilt. Consequently, he confesses his sin and proceeds to supplicate the divine Potentate for clemency. Since The Almighty never mentions either of these apparent transgressions. I’m fully persuaded that His all-seeing eyes were examining some far more serious, but hidden iniquities, among the people that were called by His name. It wasn’t too long before David received a visitor.

“Now when David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,  “Go and tell David, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I offer you three things; choose one of them for yourself, that I may do it to you.” ’ ”  So Gad came to David and told him; and he said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or shall you flee three months before your enemies, while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ plague in your land? Now consider and see what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.” And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” (2 Samuel 24:11-14 NKJV)

Agnostics assert that humans cannot know of the existence of anything beyond the phenomena of their experience. Atheists critique and deny the metaphysical beliefs in God or spiritual beings. Skeptics question or challenge all beliefs based upon religious dogma. Today, I assert, upon the authority of God’s word, upon the basis of human experience, and upon the record of history. That not only nations but the entire human race is under divine supervision. The king describes himself as being in “great distress.” It seems to be an appropriate description for intense emotional and psychological trauma. An experience that even the Son of God had to endure when he stated, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” (Matthew 26:38 NKJV). Sorrow and depression are all intricate and inescapable parts of the great fabric of human experience.

“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not, and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

“Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before–more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.” Charles Dickens, Great Expectations.

“Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.” Rumi.

Because of who we are and where we are located certain things are unavoidable. This is planet earth. A globe, which is full of imperfect, and sinful people. Let us all pursue and strive for our ideals. But let us not be so naive to expect perfection, or peace and tranquility indefinitely. We are informed, “So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel from the morning till the appointed time. From Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men of the people died. And when the angel stretched out His hand over Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the destruction, and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “It is enough; now restrain your hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of  Araunah the Jebusite.” (2 Samuel 24:15-16). I know that I’m a vile and wicked sinner; I also know that I’m deserving of God’s righteous judgment. However, I also know that whatever well-deserving punishment He decides to mete out to me, will be done in love, compassion, and mercy. Because that’s who He is. He is merciful and gracious and abundant in goodness and truth. Exodus 34:6

 “Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. … He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.” ― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

TO BE CONTINUED

I’ve been living continuously in Berekum, Ghana, since September 2019. Considering that I’m retired, I enjoy spending my time here. The weather is warm all year round, the cost of living is low, the citizens are courteous and friendly. Even when the temperature falls from April to September the cooler weather is tolerable. Not long after my arrival here we started hearing news reports about a new plague breaking out in China. Although the exact origin of the virus is still unknown, the first outbreak started in Wuhan, Hubei, China in November 2019. Within a few months, this plague developed into a pandemic and was wreaking havoc worldwide.

• The worldwide case total is 249,110,283, with more than 5 million deaths and more than 6 million recoveries. Over the past seven days, weekly worldwide new cases have slightly (1%) increased for a weekly total of 3.01 million new cases. Of those, nearly 500,000 cases came from the U.S. alone.
• There are cases in 221 countries and territories. Thirty-six countries have more than 1 million cases, with 23 of those having more than 2 million cases each.
• The countries with the most cases after the U.S. (which has 46.6 million cases) are India, Brazil, the U.K. and Russia. India now has 34.32 million cases and Brazil has 21.84 million. The U.K has 9.2 million cases and Russia has 8.67 million cases.
• The list of countries with the highest number of new cases in the past seven days is similar to the list of highest total cases with the U.S. in the lead, followed by Russia, U.K., Turkey and Ukraine.
• The countries with the highest level of deaths over the previous seven days are Russia, U.S., Ukraine, India and Romania. This is the first time since spring 2021 that the U.S. has not led in the most deaths during a seven-day period. Russia had 8,162 deaths (an 8% increase) while the U.S. had a 14% decrease for a total of 7,794 new deaths. (Center For Disease Philanthropy, Covid-19 Coronavirus, November 4, 2021).
• I’m still in Berekum, Ghana, because there have only been a small number of Covid-19 events here. The occurrences are so few that we rarely hear about them or they arent even mentioned at all. I’ve not written any new articles for about one month now. The reason being that I was very sick. When I went to the nearby clinic the attending physician diagnosed me as suffering from Malaria and Bronchitis. Even though I initially confessed to her that I felt that I was suffering from Pneumonia. So much for my medical expertise. The approximate population of this municipality is 117,000. It’s an area out in the country. There is a great deal of greenery, shrubbery and trees. Not many people and a preponderance of the natural world.
• It’s not a secret that Africa has been the continent suffering the least severe impact from the Covid-19 pandemic. There are several existing hypotheses for this state of affairs. First the population groups throughout African countries are younger. For example the median age in sub Saharan Africa is 18. The median age in North and South America, Europe and Asia ranges from 32 to 42.5. There are very few long term care facilities on the African continent. With the exception of South Africa which has a well established long term care industry. There were many Covid-19 fatalities in South Africa, with 33% of the outbreaks during the first wave occurring in nursing/retirement homes. Other mitigating factors in Africa include a swift and effective response from the governments to limit the spread of the virus. Such as the spraying of markets, schools, buses, and the closing of international borders. Europe, Asia, and North America which all have large population groups in excess of 65 years were hardest hit by the Covid-19 Corona virus. (paraphrased from THE CONVERSATION: The Impact of Covid-19 has been lower in Africa, August 17, 2021).
• The very occurence of plagues is first mentioned in scripture. Because of dire economic circumstances and social issues Abraham was forced to make a journey from Canaan down to Egypt. When his caravan arrived there, he begged his wife Sarah, to claim that she was only his sister. Instead of telling the Egyptians the truth. That she was actually his wife. “So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.” (Genesis 12:14-16 NKJV). Just as Abraham feared Sarah was recommended to Pharoah’s household. It’s possible that he had heard reports that if the Egyptians knew that Sarah was really married to him then his life would be jeopardised. Very soon the king sent for her and she became a member of the royal harem. Apparently this practise was well established Egyptian custom. Probably initiated by Egypt’s ruling family. Let us not forget that The Lord Almighty is omnipotent. Accordingly, all the circumstances culminating in Abraham’s pilgrimage to Egypt couldn’t possibly have been accidental. They were the outworkings of God’s providence. The biblical patriarch was God’s servant. He ended up in Egypt because The Almighty wanted him there. Would it be unreasonable for us to surmise that God was anxious to defend the immutability of His sacred law? Which not only forbids adultery but also the theft or robbery of other people’s spouses. I doubt that it would be irrational for us to conclude, under the circumstances, that Pharoah was guilty of both.
• The fact that Pharoah never actually slept with Sarah is immaterial. His practise of taking possession of the wives of other men legally or illegally seems to have been entrenched cultural norm. Is this yet another divine trap from distant antiquity? Where Jehovah first ensnares the lawless by their own treachery. Then intervenes in power not only to honor His Covenant but also to deliver His servants. We are instructed: “But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. And Pharaoh called Abram and said, ‘What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?  Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’? I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore, here is your wife; take her and go your way.” So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they sent him away, with his wife and all that he had.” (Genesis 12:17-20 NKJV). These momentous developments highlight another salient fact. That it is immoral to conduct yourself and affairs in such a way that other vulnerable people are afraid to tell you the truth. Let us not miss the main thrust of this presentation. The plagues were sent upon Pharoah’s household because of divine wrath. The displeasure of the Divine Potentate had been aroused because His sacred Law had been violated. Let us also observe that the plagues were discontinued when Pharoah’s behaviour changed. He returned Sarah to her husband and presented them both with gifts in an attempt to atone for his trespass.
• We live in a world where corruption and lawlessness are rampant. Although Venezuela has the highest crime index in the world (83.76), crime is nevertheless present everywhere. The five most corrupt countries worldwide are Iraq, Columbia, Mexico, Brazil and Russia. But that information is far from comforting since we know from experience that corruption anywhere is ineradicable. We are also guilty of many other sins. Powerful countries ignore the rights of weaker states. Right now Taiwan is under threat of a Chinese invasion. The Asian dragon is also trying to seize Indian territory. The Ukraine is being threatened by a Russian invasion. All of these geopolitical problems stem from insatiable greed and unbridled ambition. There is also the issue of slavery and human trafficking in China. Which is being carried out with the knowledge and cooperation of some of the largest and wealthiest companies worldwide.

In March 2020, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) published a report Uyghurs for sale: ‘Re-education’, forced labour and surveillance beyond Xinjiang, which identified 83 foreign and Chinese companies as allegedly directly or indirectly benefiting from the use of Uyghur workers outside Xinjiang through potentially abusive labour transfer programs. ASPI estimates at least 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang and assigned to factories in a range of supply chains including electronics, textiles, and automotives under a central government policy known as ‘Xinjiang Aid’. The report identified 27 factories in nine Chinese provinces that are using Uyghur labour transferred from Xinjiang since 2017. (Business And Human Rights Resource Center, March 1, 2020).

In scripture, because of human proclivity to stray from the straight and narrow, we are reminded: “He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8. NKJV)

It would be futile to attempt to argue that the African Continent is contributing in any significant way to global warming or to the destruction of the environment. The most serious offenders in global warming in order of magnitude are China, the U.S.A., India, The Russian Federation, and Japan. These same countries are also most responsible for the degradation of our environment. Because they pollute the air, water, and soil. Furthermore, they are most responsible for radioactive and noise pollution. In fact, unless we are saved by divine intervention. The human race is destined to become extinct either from environmental destruction or as a consequence of the utilization of weapons of mass destruction, calculatedly or accidentally.

$72.6 billion is how much nine nuclear armed countries spent on their nuclear weapons as the pandemic spread in 2020 and a global treaty banning nuclear weapons took full effect. The report “Complicit: 2020 Global Nuclear Weapons Spending” details the spending of these nine countries on their arsenals, the companies that profited, and the lobbyists hired to keep nuclear weapons in business. The U.S. spent three times more than the next in line- a whopping $37.4 billion. China was the only other country crossing the ten billion mark, spending $10.1 billion.  Russia had the third-highest spending at $8 billion, though the U.K.’s $6.2 billion and the French $5.7 billion weren’t so far behind.  India, Israel, Pakistan also each spent over a billion on their arsenals, while North Korea spent $667 million.

• A close examination of all the above sobering facts. Clearly reveal that the countries that present the greatest existential threat. To the continued survival of the human race on planet earth. Are the very same countries that have suffered the most severe scourge and consequent affliction from the Covid-19 pandemic. Are we to conclude that this catastrophe is merely blind coincidence?

On Saturday evening September 18, I went into the bathroom at 6:00 P.M., to take a shower. Immediately after I finished lathering my naked body with soap, there was an electrical blackout. A frequent occurrence in Ghana. I groped around in the blackness until I found the metal hose from which the water would come. Thereafter, I turned on the faucet and sprayed myself with cold water, in the dark. Until all of the slippery soap was washed off of my body. Although this time of the year is the rainy season in Ghana; and the temperature is consequently cooler than during the regular summer months. The cold water is tolerable. Unlike the cold water proceeding from the showerhead of an American or British bathroom. Which is not only intolerably cold. It feels as if you are in the process of experiencing mild electrocution. I looked through my bathroom window because there were various objects of illumination outside. Which included the 3/4 moon hanging in the sky, with the Planet Venus nearby. The closest star to earth’s satellite at this time of the year.

“Electricity outages are common in many African countries, but we know little about who bears the brunt of these failures. Research in Accra, Ghana shows that power cuts fall more frequently on poorer people, despite them being less able to deal with the consequences. Research suggests these findings generalise across the continent. In many countries in Africa electricity demand exceeds supply or transmission capacity. One result of this imbalance is that brownouts or rolling blackouts are common. Over the past decade Ghana experienced long periods of rolling blackouts, known locally as dumsor, the Twi word for ‘off/on’.” (Africa At LSE, Kobina Aidoo and Ryan C. Biggs, February 7, 2020).

The sky was clear. There were neither clouds nor rain tonight. But I had no plans to go walking anyway. Since this neighborhood in its entirety had been plunged into the darkest night. While continuing to gaze through my bathroom window I saw the bright light of a motorcycle headlamp. As the rider flooded the narrow lane with his extremely bright light and passed three or four pedestrians who looked like phantoms of the night. No wailing cats or barking dogs were heard. Only the laughter of romping children pierced the night. With the aid of my flashlight, I left the bathroom and dried myself, wrapped my body in my large towel, and walked over to the hall. From where I stood in the dark and looked through one of my very large windows at the front of my apartment. To apprise me of any developments outside. There was a fire burning near the entrance of the shed being utilized as a kitchen. The caretaker’s family was assembled there. All of them sitting on benches and gazing into the dancing flames as they waited patiently for the food being cooked. To be ready for their consumption.

I sat down on my couch and after doing so my mind wandered back to the ancient Egyptians who must have been greatly inconvenienced by the ninth plague (1440 BCE). This was the plague of darkness called down upon Egypt by the prophet Moses because of the ambivalent, capricious, and vacillating Pharaoh. These behavioral patterns were maneuvers designed to disguise his intransigence. By these childish pranks, however, he only prolonged the suffering of his own people. Who for three days and nights could neither see nor move because of the thick darkness which imprisoned the land in its black embrace. We are informed,  “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.’ So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” (Exodus 10:21-23). (KJV).

This judgment was designed to make them pause and think. Since even after eight plagues The Lord Almighty still hadn’t penetrated the psychological and cultural darkness. That inhabited the minds of all the Egyptians and that was also endemic in the society at large. An extremely deep darkness that held sway over the mentality of the king of Egypt and his counselors. Who were chock full with so much pride and selfishness. That not only did they continue to attempt to resist the power of God? They were unrelenting in their determination not to emancipate His people. As Anna Paquin asserted,  “When you are full of pride on the inside, it makes you stiff, stubborn, and creates strife with others.”

Just imagine, no Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald sandwiches, or Pizza for three days. No showers, television or music for three days. This development together with all of the preceding tragedies. Should have convinced the rulers of Egypt that The God of Israel held sway over the natural world in its entirety. This judgment might be considered mild when compared with the other divine strokes that had preceded it. But the color of the scenery, black, was a dire warning of what was about to come. Particularly, since the ninth plague was to be succeeded by the Plague of Death. During which all the firstborn of Egypt died. The arrival of COVID-19 was bad news. At least, however, if you got vaccinated you could most likely avoid it. If unfortunately, you contracted a breakthrough infection it wouldn’t be fatal. But this tenth plague was absolute and irreversible.

Interestingly enough it was on the very same night, and at the very same time, when the tenth plague against Egypt was being executed. That God stretched out His glorious right Arm in mercy, For the deliverance of His people who trusted in Him and obeyed Him. We are instructed, “Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb.  And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning.  For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you.  And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and your sons forever. It will come to pass when you come to the land which the Lord will give you, just as He promised, that you shall keep this service. And it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.’ ” So the people bowed their heads and worshiped. Then the children of Israel went away and did so; just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.”

Let’s not forget that this Passover/Paschal sacrifice was selected on the tenth day of the month and kept for four days. Jesus lived a life of relative obscurity until His public ministry commenced in A.D. 29. His teaching, healing and preaching only lasted for three and a half years. He was put to death at twilight just as the Passover Sacrifice had died for many centuries. The Paschal Lamb was killed on the fourth day at twilight. Jesus died in the 4th year of His Ministry at twilight. Can there be any doubt that the sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb represented the death of The Christ who would later die for the sins of Mankind?

“And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. So Pharaoh rose in the night, he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.” Exodus 12:29-32. (NKJV).

This special scenario was repeated on the shores of The Red Sea. When Pharaoh’s pursuing army of horses, chariots, and soldiers armed to the teeth. Were suddenly enveloped in the blackest darkness. Everything was brought to an immediate standstill. No progress could be made. All orders to advance were suddenly aborted. The omnipotent but merciful God was gracious enough to give the royal house and all the Egyptian commanders time to ponder and think. Time to reflect upon His awesome might and far-reaching power. Time to change their blind course of futility in their struggle against the king of the universe. As John Maxwell contended, “In the face of an obstacle which is impossible to overcome, stubbornness is stupid.” “And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.” Exodus 14:19-20. (NKJV).

As Ayn Rand observed, “Man’s basic vice, the source of all his evils, is the act of unfocusing his mind, the suspension of his consciousness, which is not blindness, but the refusal to see, not ignorance, but the refusal to know.” The warning was ignored. They were all blinded by the Devil to the imminent peril that faced them. The following day, because of their own impiety and irreverence. They were all committed to the doom against which they were warned. “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.’ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained.” Exodus 14:26-28. (NKJV).

The whole moral of this story is that it is futile to fight against The Almighty or His servants. His servants might very well be human. But they are backed by the authority of Heaven and the power of omnipotence. Furthermore, God’s promises are sure. He assured Abraham that his descendants would be delivered from slavery. He gave Moses the very same assurances. Jehovah’s words were not fulfilled immediately. But they were all fulfilled. The Israelites remained in bondage for four hundred and thirty years. But at the preordained time they were all emancipated. Even their animals left Egypt with them.