
God told Moses, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt…” and deliver the Israelites from bondage (Exod. 12:12). He did and the result was great and awesome. When our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ came to the earth over two thousand years ago, He passed through villages, towns and cities in Israel. The effect on humanity till date remains marvellous.
A cursory look at the Nation-State, Nigeria, reveals without mincing words that all is not well. All attest to this fact and clamour for a change. Should the Lord, therefore pass through this country, ‘issues’ which have diseased our county, which have defiled, deferred as well as deferred solutions like the case of the woman diseased with the issue of blood (Mt. 9:20 – 22) will be addressed. One of such is ‘electricity’. Every successive government have had to grapple with this challenge.
The Lord is the LIGHT Himself and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). He said, “… I am the light of the world…..” (John 8:12). Little wonder, then, the first issue God dealt with in creation was light to appear for the darkness hovering upon the earth to cease (Gen. 1:1 – 3). So if the Lord who is light passes through our beloved country, there is no gainsaying that, He will generate, distribute, market, and give satisfaction to consumers.
Corruption has become endemic and an institution with no visible permanent site but with many graduating from its institution. It is like lava flowing from a volcano, destroying the fabric of the society. Government at all levels, the public and private sectors have put up a stern fight against it. To the extent that different government administrations have bound it with “fetters and chains” in form of decrees, laws, edicts and agencies (EEFF, ICPC, Decree 419, NAFDAC, etc.). but such chains and fetters have been plucked asunder and broken in pieces.
Without any iota of doubt, if the Lord passes through, this “disease” like the demons in the demoniac of Gadara, will fall down before Him and with a loud voice cry, “what have I to do with you Jesus, you Son of God Most High?” (Mk. 5:1 – 15). Corrupt people also, like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1 – 10) will be convicted, have their hearts renewed, change from their wicked ways and make restitutions.
Good policies are not being implemented. Unqualified people are asked to man institutions, ministries, senatorial seats, companies and positions that are pivotal. Those who should know better, have the eyes of their understanding darkened. But when the Lord passes through, definitely, people will be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9).
People have vacillated in decision making such that things have festered in the minds of the people. Many do not know the Lord who is the TRUTH. He said, “… I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:6). “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). If the Lord who is the truth passes through Nigeria, many people will know what to do and do it right. For He said, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go, I will guide thee with mine eyes.” (Ps. 118:23)
Everyone wants good judgement. The Lord Himself is a righteous judge who will judge the secrets of men (Rom. 2:16). Being the Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are His judgments as He judges the righteous and the wicked (Rev. 16:7). Once He passes through, as many institutions that are empowered to give good judgment will be visited because the fear of the Righteous Judge who judges the judge will consume all and sundry. In similar view, He will judge the wicked but spare the righteous.
As at the time Jesus came to the earth the people’s movement were restricted in the temple. Only the high priest entered the Holy of Holies. Majority of the people were outside. But that wall of partition or separation was broken down by the Lord when He passed through the earth, was crucified, buried and resurrected over two thousand years ago, thereby giving man the boldness to enter into the heavenly Holy of Holies and stand before God’s throne to obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need (Heb. 10:19; 4:16).
These days many are still in the outer court, of their own volition and ignorance. They are ignorant of God’s position in regards to relationship with fellow citizens. Such people are blindfolded. If the Lord, thus, passes through, these ones will know who to follow and know the hypocrites like the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ days.
One more remarkable thing and this is very paramount. In fact, it is the most outstanding result by the time He passes through the country. It is the depraved state of the sinners and the despised. As many that realize their depraved state will be drawn unto Him and He will forgive them (Luke 7:37 – 50). All those who are despised and acknowledge Him will be dignified.
It is most assured that our expectations of a better Nigeria will come to pass. Suddenly, somehow, the Egyptians (poverty, corruption, ritual and political killings, religious disturbances, and other evil vices) that we see today, we shall see them no more. We shall forget these miseries and they shall be as waters that have passed away (Exodus 14:13; Job 11:16). When God passes through our land He will heal our land; He will give us the desired peace, prosperity and security we all long for.
For God to walk through our land we must:
- Humble ourselves as a nation, acknowledging and confessing our sins (read Nehemiah Chapter 9, Daniel 9, and Jonah chapter 3)
- We must cry out to God to have mercy upon us and to pass through our land.
- We must ask God to pour out upon our nation the spirit of genuine repentance and godly sorrow.
- We must forsake our wicked ways and ask that the fear of God rules in the heart of every Nigerian, home and abroad.
- Let us also ask God to stretch forth His hand and destroy every citadel of wickedness, altars and tyrannies of sin in Nigeria
Fellow Nigerians, let us all cry to the Lord, “O Lord, pass through our country, Nigeria.”
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked, ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14)
This article was written in 2010, and first featured in the Path of Life magazine Vol. 4, in 2011