YOUR TIME OF DIVINE VISITATION IS HERE! (PART 2 OF 2)
October 21, 2020
YOUR ATTITUDE IN TIMES OF CIVIL DISORDER AND UNREST (PART 2 OF 3)
October 23, 2020

YOUR ATTITUDE IN TIMES OF CIVIL DISORDER AND UNREST (PART 1 OF 3)

22nd OCTOBER 2020

Then all the city was provoked, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. At once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. When he got to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; for the multitude of the people kept following them, shouting, ‘Away with him!’” (Acts 21:30-36).

Humanity in the course of history has witnessed several wars, riots, protests, looting and mayhems. Therefore, when we hear the news about protesting, rioting, and looting in major cities, such as in Nigeria at the moment or other parts of the globe, we need to remember that this is nothing new (Ref: Ecclesiastes 1:9). The civil unrest in Nigeria at the moment, just like it happened in Jerusalem during the time of Paul referred to in the above rider verse, is marked by violence, confusion, an increased military presence, and protests in all parts of the country. The people are agitating for security, justice and equity.

 It is not uncommon recently to see people shying away from discussing the real reason for a civil protest, that is basically due to the fact that most people are not yet matured in their conscience to embrace the truth in very critical situation. Many would rather choose to juxtapose the truth with their personal safety or happiness when it comes to addressing the real truth regarding a public protest. Many in our communities and nations are enjoying the best of life, but not many of them truly care about what happens to the rest. Whether we wish for it to happen or not, a time will come in the history of a nation, when the justice of God will roll down from heavens like waters, and on that day, a great change would occur to bring about the desired material and spiritual evolution to the affected communities or nations. When the people are ready, a desirable or positive change would occur, and the drama that follows would result from a sudden outburst and uproar from the people, not necessarily by those affected by injustice, but by those chosen by a divine providence to actualize the divine purpose of God for that nation.

A government is seen often by the people as a vehicle for the actualization of God’s divine purpose for the nation. Therefore, a government ought to be accountable to the people. The news of protesting, rioting, and looting in response to an act of injustice by the government, (real or perceived) happen much too frequently in our society, especially in the developing nations.  During such times of civil unrest, what should be the attitude of believers or children of God? First, is Prayers! The scripture says in, 1 Tim 2;1-2 “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and reverence”. I must let you know here that, Prayer for the nation is not an option, it is a command! We are exhorted first of all to pray for: –

a) All men

b) Kings

c) All in authority.

Secondly, the scripture says we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem. A prayer for the peace of Jerusalem includes security from outside attackers, unity, and harmony among residents, familial wholeness, economic and political prosperity—and perhaps most important of all, freedom and fulfillment in the joyful worship of God. In a spiritual sense, your country also qualifies as Jerusalem. Therefore, you must pray for your country like you pray for Jerusalem. Remember, in the prospect and peace of your country, therein lies your protection, prosperity and breakthrough!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray for the peace of my country today. May those who love (name of your country) be secure. May there be peace within the walls of my country, and security within her citadels. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. AMEN.

 FURTHER READING: Psalm 122:6; 2 Chron 7:14; 16: 47-48; Micah 6:8


 

 


 

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi
Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi
Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.

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