THE nature of bloodbath we are now experiencing in our nation today is very similar to the experience narrated in the Old Testament. Each day, as we hear of the orgy of killing in Maiduguri, Nassarawa and the other parts of northern Nigeria, we become transfixed with fear and trepidation and wonder why God have permitted so much evil in Nigeria.
The callous manner human lives are being snuffed reminds one of the days of old, when humanity was still at its darkest ebb. The, war was almost a way of life. The number of enemies one was able to terminate at war fronts depicted one’s prowess and status in the society. At that time, outlaws reigned supreme and only the very powerful in terms of military strength and sheer brute were feared and respected.
But of all the tales of war narrated in the Old Testament, the one that seemed most prominent was the contest between the Israelites and Philistines. While the Israelites symbolised light and godliness, the Philistines on the other hand represented the forces of darkness. For many years unending, the two nations were at each other’s throat and hardly saw eye-to-eye.
The battle we are facing, today, could be likened to the feud between the Israelites and Philistines. The two fought for a record of 30 times. But the good thing about it is that the Israelites prevailed most of the time. Now, let us examine some of these battles and the resultant effect. At the first battle, which took place between Aphek to Ebenezer, the Philistines killed about 34,000 Israelites and captured the Ark of the Covenant. The second battle was at Mizpah. Following Samuel’s intervention through the offering of a lamb, God confused the Philistines and gave victory to Israel.
At the third battle at Geba, Jonathan, Saul’s son, secured victory over the Philistines with just 1,000 soldiers. The fourth battle at Gilgal was a draw. At the fifth battle, through the gallant effort of Jonathan and his armour bearer, the Israelites again emerged victorious. Aside from the ninth battle at Mount Gilboah during, which the Philistines killed most Saul’s men and three of his sons, including Jonathan, and which saw Saul falling on his own sword, the remainder of the battles saw Israelites emerging victorious. We can read more about this in the following Bible passages: 1 Samuel 4:1-11, 1 Samuel 7:7-14, 1 Samuel 13:3, 4, 1 Samuel 12:6-17, 1 Samuel 13:24 – 14:23, 1 Samuel 17:1-58, 1 Samuel 18:17-30, 1 Samuel 23:1-5, 1 Samuel 29:1, 31:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:17-25, 2 Samuel 8:1, 2 Samuel 21:15-1, 2 Samuel 21:18-22.
Beloved in Christ, what we are going through, today, did not just happen yesterday. They are accumulation of evil seeds that had been planted, even, before we gained independence from the colonial masters.
What are we to do now? We must come to terms with our situation. We must also be honest with ourselves on the right approach to solve this problem. No amount of political manoeuvring can save our country; only God and the recourse to the truth will save us from the forces of evil that are plotting to destabilise us as a nation. May the good Lord open our eyes to the truth. May He give our leaders the wisdom, understanding and boldness to do all that is right for peace to reign in our land. Amen.
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