Clerics worldwide especially in Nigeria have come under heavy criticisms since the outbreak of Covid -19 Pandemic. It has been a season of free jibe at them. Where are the miracle workers? Mockers ask. Where are the healers of diseases and viruses? Merchants of laughter query. Where are the people who see and speak with God daily? They ask. Can’t they seek divine or heavenly solutions? Why must a cleric wear a face mask to prevent contracting the virus when he is covered by the Blood of Jesus? These are the posers from mockers of the Kingdom of God.
Faith came under heavy scrutiny or questioning. Clerics have been humbled particularly those who claimed that God called them but the reverse is the case. Many tactically withdrew into their shells, thus licking the wounds from their bruised egos…following constant attacks by non-believers who took delight in making a mess of the hopeless situation. Many “Church Goers” and “Sunday-Sunday” Christians or “Miracle Seekers” have continued to challenge our Men of God to showcase or display their “powers” to heal and perform miracles in these trying times of Covid -19 Pandemic.
They ask, where are the anointing oils? Where are the handkerchiefs? Where are the power water and fire water? Where are the mountain sands? Where are the powerful palm fronds? Where are the divine girdles? Where are the miracle mantles? Where are the rods and staff of power and authority? Where are the special candles? To these critics, they sound like God doesn’t exist or better still, there are no true Men of God with heavenly anointing or powers or gift to heal or deliver the sick or the spiritually troubled. But they forgot that Men of God merely intercede. They don’t heal neither do they deliver. Only Jehovah God does. God only listens to the pleas and prayers of the cleric who He truly called who do His will and commandments (intercession) and answers them.
One won’t totally blame these faithless Christians given the very demeaning attitude of some of our so-called Men of God…who seek contracts from government, seek license to lift oil, seek waivers on different business concerns related to importation. What of our political Pastors or Men of God who predict election results and outcome of election litigation? Or those who stand on campaign podiums with politicians? Or those who convert the pulpit or altars to campaign ground? Or crusade ground to campaign grounds? This category of clerics cast a very dark shadow in the divine activities in the Vineyard. They rubbish the call on the pulpit. They derogate and desecrate the dignity and holiness required on the altar. They hardly speak in condemnation of the ordeals fellow Christians are forced to pass through by their perceived enemies.
Be that as it may, there are still true Men of God called by the Most High God. This class still holds the grace and gift to perform miracles through the powers of God. God grants them His mercy and grace which transforms into healing and deliverance powers. The oil, water, salt, candles, handkerchiefs, palm fronds, and mantles are mere tools and objects used to perfect the works of God We must however note that the Covid-19 Pandemic and it’s undercurrent developments particularly lately have shown that there are demonic forces truly challenging faith. Domineering powers attempting to rule the world. But the mere fact that the Pandemic cannot destroy the world as feared shows that God has no hand in it.
Therefore, it will go just like it came. And real faithful Men of God whose faith came under test will be greatly empowered by this ugly experience for greater exploits, signs, and wonders. Those who joked or toyed with God’s calling by taking things for granted or playing demigods or looting Church treasury and accounts have been warned enough by the events of Covid-19 Pandemic. Watch out for the next level of faith and Christianity!