In the midst of it all these, pray for the man of God and the alleged victim. Sometimes , people don’t understand the deepest pain that men of God are going through physically, Spiritually and emotionally. People don’t understand the untold sacrifices and burden they bear to keep the church of God going and taking care for their families at the same time. People don’t understand the mental pain pastors go through when some people that they truly cared for deserted them at the time they needed them most. More often than not, pastors do find themselves helpless because on many occasions, they always try to demonstrate the character of Christ in the midst of serious confrontation, lies and been disrespected for no reasons. Thank God for His grace upon their lives. What many people do not understand is that , pastors are always in the center or forefront of spiritual, physical, diabolical, and even human attack that requires above ordinary strength and power to survive each day. It is easy to castigate men of God with either true or doctored accusation because of their position in the society and people will ignorantly go wild against them by arriving on unverified judgment. Just because any body has the right to say something does not mean what they said is true. It maybe or may be not. I don’t want to sound biased. But if I am truthfully biased based on scriptural viewpoint, let it be with no apology whatsoever.
Don’t get me wrong, no one want to be a victim of rape. It is inhuman, barbaric , and mentally traumatic. As a man of God with good conscience, I totally condemn such act and pray for the alleged victims for full recovery.
In a situation like this, I don’t know who is telling the truth or not. It is only God that knows the truth. If God knows the truth and is the God of truth, then the truth will come out one day despite how long it might take. It is on this note that we Christians must approach a sensitive matter of this nature with all carefulness and in prayers not by flesh.
Today, during my deepest prayer time in my office , the Holy Spirit whispers to me and said; “THIS IS WHAT THE DEVIL IS GOOD AT DOING. TO ACCUSED THE BRETHREN IN OTHER TO CAUSED CONFUSION AMONG THE BODY IF CHRIST.”
The devil can use anyone for wrong reasons irrespective of how powerful and spiritual that you are. The Bible says in the book of Luke 22:3-4 New International Version (NIV)
3 “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.”
The vital point here is, the alleged accusation to the large extent, has caused more damage to the church members in particular and the Christian family in entirety more than the two people involved. I am aware that some planned conferences or programs were canceled. It’s is obvious that people’s faith has been shaken, hope dashed , and those in need of prayers concerning their individual expectations and spiritual desires becoming confused.
The most humble thing is that, the man of God has stepped down in the midst of this controversy pending what will be the outcome of this allegation. I admired his humility for taking such decision in a time like this.
A situation like this need prayer not protest. However , the simple question is; what are they protesting for? I saw in the social media how the protesters standing in front of the entrance gate of the ministry wooing the innocent church members coming out from the church and called them fools. I was not only shock but baffled with the high level of ignorance displayed by the so called protesters. What offense did the church members committed to warrant them deserved such public humiliation?
“Galatians 6:1-10 New International Version (NIV)
Doing Good to All
6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
What the protesters should have to done in this situation was to gently restored the man of God and his congregation if they feel they are more spiritual strong than them instead of causing more confusion.
In as much as pastor are human and imperfect, no one except God has the right to subject them to undue trails and human judgment especially in a situation where an alleged accusation cannot be proven to be true. Again, I am not trying to be biased here and I hope not. But let those who subjected the man of God to some form of intimidation by protest should wait a minutes and asked themselves few questions ; do I have the right to judge this man or am I righteous enough to condemn? Why should humans who lack the moral right to judge others think that they can take God’s responsibility and do it for God?
The Question is, What will Jesus do in this Situation?
John 8:1-11 King James Version (KJV)
8 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
(KJV)
Let us always examined ourselves first before we moved to fast to condemn others. Maybe, the people that are always quick to cast the first stone on others are the worst sinners.
At this trying time , I stand by pastor Biodun and his congregation spiritually and physically for healing and full restoration while also praying for the alleged victim for peace and full recovery.
Thanks God bless.
Bishop Ani Jacob.
Www.camifamilyoflove.org
USA