So the unfortunate incident of the PMS tanker explosion happened on Thursday, June 28, 2018, and since then this VN has gone viral about a certain man calling out some dates and some transport companies and asking listeners to avoid traveling in or out of Lagos using any of the mentioned transport companies on those dates stated... I do feel strongly to react to this VN, which I have received from at least 7 of my contacts already.
Before I go into my reactions on the VN, kindly allow me to state the following:
- This reaction may be somewhat long and maybe even inconclusive, owing to the ‘weight’ of the subject matter.
- I am neither a clergy nor a Professor in religion, but just a Christian who loves and studies God’s word.
- The views expressed in this reaction are obviously centered around Christianity only.
- I also kindly request that you drop your religious bias as much as possible while reading this. I will be as biblically logical as possible too in presenting my thoughts.
- Kindly share this reaction as wide as possible if you find it helpful in whatever way.
- Feel free to contact me for further discussion privately, should you have any reactions to this reaction.
- DOOMS DAY IS STALE NEWS
It is no news that terrible times are upon us. Even from history, there have been serious moments of persecution and killings; particularly of God’s people during the Dark Ages. Several scriptural references also confirm that terrible events still lay ahead (Matt 24; Luke 21). In fact, Luke warns that just before Jesus’ second return;
“...there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (Luke 21:25-26)
Therefore scripture sufficiently warns that the days in which we live are evil, and whatever we think we have experienced or are experiencing, are only just the beginning. Calling out just a few dates in June, July and August and marking them for doom leaves a few things to worry about, for instance;
- First, are these the only days that we should expect doom or danger? Can we be certain that after the advertised dates are over, we can rest from all the doom?
- Second, even if the predictions on these dates come to pass, would they be particularly more terrible than anything else that is likely to happen in future? If not, so what is spectacular about predictions on those dates?
- Third, why are all these predictions restricted to Lagos alone? Is the spirit of prophecy restricted by space or are Lagosians due for special punishment, and by who?
I will leave you to struggle with these concerns.
- FALSE PROPHETS AND SATAN ARE REAL
God had spoken to His people via Prophets in the Old Testament (Moses to Israel, Eli to Hannah, Jonah to Nineveh, Nathan to David, and so on). This practice/medium was as a result of the bridge that sin created between God and man. Fortunately, by the death of Christ and the tearing of the temple veil ‘from top to bottom’ (Matt. 27:51), that bridge was closed; man could now talk to, and hear from God without any aid. However, God gave a few people prophecy (as a gift) to help in His cause (1 Cor. 12).
Also, knowing that satan is real and able to DECEIVE THE WHOLE WORLD (Rev. 12:9), God gave several warning about counterfeiting this gift of prophecy. Some of them are;
1John 4:1- Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world
Isa. 8:20- To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them
Matt. 24:24- For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect
Hence, we must be careful to always match prophecy with the word of God, it’s almost easy to tell a false one when we are rooted in God’s word.
- DOOMS DAY, SO WHAT!?
Notice the prophecies, warnings or messages in scripture, some of which are found in Jonah 3, Exodus 5, Daniel 2, Matt 24:29-31 (which was Jesus Himself speaking), you would observe the following important indicators;
- Every Prophet always made significant reference to and acknowledged God as the source of their prophecy or message or warning.
- More importantly, the messages were two sides in most cases, if not all. How do I mean? There was always an ‘assurance of hope’ or a direction on how to escape the wrath that was coming, after every negative prophecy. God never left His children in fear and anxiety.
Check that VN again and see if it meets these two specifications above?
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
2Cor. 2:11b warns that we must not be ignorant of the schemes of the devil. We know he exists and that he is at war with God’s people and constantly trying to ‘prove a point’. We do not need a prophecy to tell us that the days are evil, much less one that confuses us by prophesying about disaster in Lagos on June 23rd, but disaster strikes in Plateau. God is not the author of confusion!
However, these do not replace the role of caution. ‘Watch and pray’ is the command we have from God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”. (2Tim. 1:7)
Nigeria has become a religiously-sick country; so many religious practices that it’s difficult to separate the false from truth. Some have resorted to selling their conscience to the highest bidder, and these ‘men of God’ would do all it takes to buy our conscience. Do not be deceived!
As we continue in the coming weeks, months and years, rather than fret over a few dates and ‘transportation in or out of Lagos, or travel by air in Nigeria’, believe the promise of God over your life in Psalm 91.
Shalom!
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