Month: August 2023

On August 28, 2023

The Vast Glory of a Kingdom, 3

Esther 1:
1. It came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this Ahasuerus which reigned from India even Ethiopia, over an hundred and twenty and seven provinces:)
2.That in those days, when king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace
3. In the third year of his reign he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants, the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him
4. When he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

We have been reflecting on the Book of Esther, w have been reading of a king the bible describes as having a vastly immeasurable kingdom that is gloriously rich and consisting of peoples of many cultures and outlook. It is amazing how he’s able to be the centre of the harmony and conflicts as well as the contradictions oozing from this huge conglomerate. This king decides to showcase the might and riches and the great resources of his excellent kingdom. For more than half of a year, he is literally feeding the people: his princes or subordinate rulers and servants. Ahasuerus, this king is a man. Before him and after him and for ever is the kingdom of God. The display of majesty and power and glory and honour expressed concerning king Ahasuerus in this book are a snippet leaking from heaven to man’s earth by some mechanism; every picture of the heavenly handled by mortals always turn awry. Kingdom establishment and kingly expression are heavenly, but in the hand of man, it’s a world of horror, tragedies and catastrophes. God alone is described as the true Potentate, to whom be glory and majesty and power and dominion and authority for ever and ever. Man in me is a critical part of this exhaustless kingdom whose vast resources cannot give out in all eternity. Ahasuerus and his kingdom though rich and vast are limited. The King of kings doesn’t have to impress me with his awesome power, his creativity and ingenuity. He is not bound to display before me the richness of his kingdom. He doesn’t have to woo my friendship Who’s surrounded by myriads of exotic beings in his kingdom in heaven or the in the kingdom of heaven. Yet this King crested me for this sole purpose of possessing my being, that he might live in me. He deliberately intervened in history because of me, abolishing death and bringing immortality to light. He reborn me so that he might express himself on earth through me; that I might live him on earth and display the vastness of his glorious kingdom. Yet, amazing, in the deliberateness of unfathomable wisdom and knowledge, he crested me the weakest. This mystery of God inhabiting me stirred the curiosity of the angels, principalities, powers – beings in their own right and realms who are excellent in power and might – and they are still busy trying to pry open: How, they wondered in the beginning of my creation in the hand of the King, can God dwell in Man, in me forever? God promised them a holy marvel of his Almightiness; he let them know that in the later days, in his kingdom, they would be seeing him in his unbounded wisdom. “To the intent,” the scripture assures, “that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church ( I’m part of the church, you know) the MANIFOLD wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ our Lord” (Ephesians 3:10-11). This wisdom he showed in his mystic secret hidden in his Son Jesu Christ. Then his Son, that this divine technology might be replicated in me, died and resurrected and brought immortality, a reincarnation of himself in me! Oh, the depth both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (9:33). You see, God, my Father could do anything, could just make me do what he wanted me to do – but he would not take advantage of my weakness as a man, the lowest in the cadre of the mighty ones. He seeks my cooperation. You could see he covets my friendship as he passionately desires me. You see it would hurt him greatly if I don’t cooperate with him for my redemption which he brought about through the shedding of the blood of his Son Jesus. Redemption means restoring to the original balance of things, to the original thought of God. Now, he sings a serenade and croons to me a lullaby. The amazing love, unequalled! He impressed on me the strength of his love by taking my place in righteous judgement! Lord what can I say to this love!
Father, you have me; I’m forever yours. This is love shinning through the kingdom: “God commendeth his love towards us in that while we’re yet sinners Christ died for us.” I’m glad that you have me and at the dawn of your glorious parousia, the complete supervening of your kingdom, I will be like you because I’ll see and be just as you are. This is the hope of my waiting (1 John 3:2). Lord I love that! You became me and you turned around to hold the mirror of you to me so that I may become more and more like you, the image I see. Now in the glory of your kingdom, I’m being metamorphosed into the same glory as you who I behold – the you who’s the perfection, nay, the fullness of glory. read more

Meditation on the Book of Esther, episode 2

On August 22, 2023

The Vast Glory of a Kingdom, 2

Esther 1:
1. Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this Ahasuerus which reigned from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces;)
2. That in those days when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace
3. In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants, the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes, being before him
4. When he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

The kingdom is truly a vast land of peoples of different tongues, nations, tribes, kindreds and cultures. Yet the king was able to hold all the conflicting interests and contradictions as well as the harmony together in his person. The land was all the way from India in present day Asia to Ethiopia in Africa. But a rising power was appearing in the horizon, a rising power of another kingdom trying to conquer and subjugate him. The history of the world, by which civilisation is measured, is power to conquer and subjugate others
The king Ahasuerus needed to show that he was not only militarily sound but was economically wealthy enough to strike down any upstart and threatening nation; the show of the opulence and excellence of his might and power on display. To mightily impress this on the mind of his people, he feasted them for more than half of a year. The feast was in Shushan.
The world is groaning under economic yoke. I’m thinking of what it would cost one country in the modern world to fete her people for half of a year without the nationals contributing a dime as shown here. Even in the days of covid-19 , the nations of the world couldn’t feed their nationals which had been shut up in the house. But Ahasuerus did this for such a vast kingdom and displayed the grandeur of his military majesty. This kingdom was not only vast but also glorious – a kingdom of glorious peoples, cultures and civilisations all in one awesome unit under one king; a capable, most intelligent one.

The kingdom of God

I fail abjectly each time I try to wrap my finite mind around the infinite magnitude of God’s kingdom. A drop-in-the-ocean idea is found in the bible. The writer of bible’s Revelation, after giving the statistic of those who received God’s seal of ownership, continues his narration: “After this, I beheld and, lo,a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne…”(Rev.7:9). The Psalmist sings, “Let them praise the name of the Lord…his glory is above the heaven” (Psalm 148:13).

What kingdom of God is

The word kingdom means the domain of a king, the place of influence of a king, a place of display of his character. The phrase the kingdom of God therefore indicates the domain of the King, the true potentate, the only one that has immortality. This King, says a verse of the scripture, dwells, lives in the midst of light that cannot be approached (1Timothy 6:15- 16). read more

Meditation on the Book of Esther, episode 1

On August 17, 2023

The Vast Glory of a Kingdom

Esther 1:

1. Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this Ahasuerus which reigned from India to even unto Ethiopia, Ethiopia over an hundred and seven provinces:) read more

Meditation on the Book of Esther

On August 16, 2023

Proem

I had been reading the Bible for more than fifty years and lost count how many times I read the Book of Esther. Beyond the fact that it was an interesting story of God’s special provision and protection for His people, I had never connected it to Christ, the Church and the fullness of His Testimony. No, not until I read that prince among the saints, Brother Gbile Akanni. I was held spell bound by the abundance of revelations in his book of the same substance (but of different approach, having received inspiration from reading him) as shall be discussed here. I count it a blessing to have read many other publications from the stable of this man of God. read more

Faith and Science: Navigating the Intersection in Christianity

By faith

Introduction

The relationship between faith and science has been a subject of curiosity, tension, and exploration for centuries. Christianity, a faith grounded in divine revelation, and science, a discipline driven by empirical observation and reason, are often seen as distinct realms. However, the interplay between faith and scientific inquiry is rich and complex. In this examination of the intersection between faith and science in Christianity, we explore historical interactions, contemporary perspectives, and ways believers navigate the apparent tensions between the two.

Historical Interactions: From Conflict to Dialogue

Throughout history, the relationship between faith and science has experienced phases of conflict, harmony, and dialogue. The Galileo affair, where the Church condemned Galileo Galilei’s heliocentric model of the solar system, is often cited as an example of perceived conflict between religious dogma and scientific discovery. However, it’s important to note that the situation was influenced by political and societal factors as well.

In the Enlightenment era, the pursuit of knowledge through science was seen by some as a challenge to religious authority. However, many key figures in the development of modern science were devout Christians, viewing their scientific inquiries as a means to better understand God’s creation.

Contemporary Perspectives on Faith and Science read more

Faith in Action: Social Justice and Christian Activism

By faith

Introduction

Christianity has a longstanding tradition of social engagement and activism rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The fusion of faith and action, often referred to as “faith in action,” has led believers to address social injustices, promote equality, and work towards the betterment of humanity. In this exploration of social justice and Christian activism, we delve into the historical foundations, biblical principles, and contemporary examples that highlight the transformative power of faith in action.

Biblical Foundations of Social Justice

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ exemplify a profound commitment to social justice and compassion. Jesus consistently reached out to marginalized individuals, challenged societal norms, and emphasized the importance of love and care for the less fortunate. His parables, such as the Good Samaritan, underscore the call to show mercy and justice to all people, regardless of their background.

The Old Testament also echoes the theme of social justice. The prophets repeatedly called for the protection of the vulnerable, the care of widows and orphans, and the pursuit of righteousness. Scriptures like Micah 6:8, which commands believers to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God,” emphasize the inseparable connection between faith and social responsibility.

Christian Activism throughout History

Throughout history, Christian activism has played a pivotal role in addressing pressing social issues. The abolitionist movement in the 19th century, led by figures like William Wilberforce, aimed to end the transatlantic slave trade and advocate for human dignity. Similarly, the civil rights movement in the United States, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., drew inspiration from Christian principles of justice, equality, and nonviolence.

In more recent times, Christian activists have tackled issues such as poverty, environmental stewardship, refugee crises, and gender equality. The pursuit of social justice is often fueled by a deep conviction that faith should be manifested in tangible acts of love and compassion.

Biblical Principles of Social Justice read more

Faith and Suffering: The Problem of Evil in Christianity

By faith

Introduction

The coexistence of faith and suffering has been a profound and enduring challenge in Christian theology and philosophy. The question of how a benevolent and all-powerful God allows the existence of suffering and evil has sparked extensive contemplation and debate. In this exploration of the problem of evil in Christianity, we delve into the complexities of this theological dilemma, examining different perspectives, biblical insights, and ways believers grapple with the profound questions it raises.

The Problem of Evil: A Theological Paradox

The problem of evil arises from the apparent contradiction between the existence of an all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful God and the presence of suffering, pain, and moral wrongdoing in the world. If God is both willing and capable of preventing evil, why does suffering persist?

This paradox has prompted theologians, philosophers, and believers to engage in deep reflection. It’s important to note that the problem of evil is not unique to Christianity; it’s a universal question faced by many religious and philosophical traditions.

Biblical Perspectives on Suffering

The Bible does not shy away from addressing the reality of suffering. The Book of Job presents a poignant narrative in which a righteous man suffers deeply, prompting profound existential questions about the nature of God’s justice. The Psalms offer raw and emotional expressions of suffering, doubt, and lament, while also pointing to God as a source of comfort and refuge.

In the New Testament, the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross is central to Christian belief. His crucifixion is seen as both a profound mystery and an act of divine love, providing a model for how suffering can be redemptive.

Theological Responses to the Problem of Evil read more

The Power of Faith: Miracles and Healings in Christianity

By faith