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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection today is evil. Evil is an unpleasant act opposed to God’s will or commandment. In other words, evil is simply a sin committed against God. King Jeroboam of the Northern Kingdom refused to repent even after encountering God’s mercy. He had to face the ramification or consequences of his unrepentant and evil ways against God. Unfortunately, Jeroboam’s family will also be punished for the evil done by him against God. Prophet Ahijah sent a message to King Jeroboam through his wife, “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, and yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes, but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back, therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam…” (1 Kings 14:7-10). Beloved in the Lord, God is merciful, He is slow to anger and gives us numerous opportunities to repent, however, He punishes those who are unrepentant and continue to do evil before His sight. Jeroboam had exhausted the grace which was available to him because he was bent on disobeying God by doing that which was evil before Him.

Dear friend, It is remarkable to note that Jeroboam’s punishment extends to his entire household and the nation Israel. This is an indication that we must be careful and considerate in our decision as leaders and parents because the evil we do may bring untold hardship or calamity upon those who are under our care or tutelege. God said ” …I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone…And henceforth, the LORD will strike Israel as a reed is shaken in the water, and root up Israel out of this good land that he gave to their fathers and scatter them beyond the Euphrates, because they have made their Asherim, provoking the LORD to anger. And he will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he sinned and made Israel to sin.” (1 Kings 14: 10, 14-16 ). Leadership shapes the destiny of a nation. Leadership may bring prosperity or calamity upon a nation. The evil that some parent do may bring suffering upon their children. The evil that some politicians and traditional rulers do may bring hardship upon citizens. Some examples are: corruption in government and state institutions which continues to impoverish the country, corruption among some government appointees and traditional rulers had led to the devastating effect of illegal mining on food security, aquatic life and health of citizens. The evil that some church leaders do may bring hardship to their church members. Money doubling schemes, fake prophesies and performance of fake miracles have further plunged some Christians into frustration, poverty and have led some to their untimely death through ritual murders. Let us fear God and walk in His way, repent from doing that which is evil before the Lord and be blessed together with our family and entire generation. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, strengthen us to trust and obey You always. Enable us to be beneficiaries of Your grace, peace and blessings. We pray for repentance, spiritual and moral transformation for our political, traditional and religious leaders who are evil and corrupt. Above all, we humbly ask for Your glory, mercy and blessings for our nation. Amen.