By Isaac Asabor
It is not an exaggeration to say that not all Bible scholars and others in the Christendom will understand what God meant in Psalms 119 verse 18 when he says, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law”.
The reason why the foregoing word of God has remained difficult for people to understand is that they do not know why God uses men and women for His different purposes. Inspiring narratives are replete in political history on how God has delegated many of the needs of His people to different political leaders outside the realm of the Church. At this juncture, it may not be wrong to say that not a few readers of this piece will criticize this writer for using God’s name and the bible to praise a politician and a fake pastor as that has been the mantra that they relish in using to calumnize Ize-Iyamu’s as he aspires to become the governor of Edo State. His opposers have relentlessly been using this foul language, which seems to be the only available communication strategy to them to brainwash, mislead and deceive the electorates from supporting and voting for Ize-Iyamu on the D-Day in September. But alas! They are yet to realize that the strategy is an outdated tactic as the electorates in Benin City, Igueben, Uromi and Irrua unexpectedly welcomed Ize-Iyamu and his campaign train to the consternation of his traducers within the last few days.
As you read this piece, many politicians and their supporters in the State that are bent on calumniating the character of Ize-Iyamu have the erroneous notion that he is not a true man of God. How they came up with that line of thinking is what has kept baffling many Nigerians who believe in his spiritual disposition and his leadership qualities. Only God knows why they have remained unwavering in calumniating his character.
Maybe because of jealousy that they are not called to the position of pastoring; maybe knowing they are not scripturally qualified for such a role of leadership; perhaps because they do believed everything the former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said about him in 2016 in the bid to promote the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. Or could it be that they don’t just believe that God is presenting him to Edolites as the Moses that will lead them from the socio-economic wilderness which the ongoing government led by Obaseki has thrown Edolites into?
What a dangerous mistake Edolites will make if they fail to support Ize-Iyamu as the governor that God has destined to perform!
To me, most Edolites that are opposed to his candidacy are seemingly ignorant of the word of God as examples abound in the Bible on how He dealt with those that rose up and spoke against those He promoted to positions of leadership.
For instance, when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, Miriam was plagued with leprosy (Num. 12:9-10).
When the people of Israel spoke against God and Moses (Num. 21:5-6), God sent fiery serpents to chastise them for their sin.
When Korah and over 250 others spoke against Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:2-3), God allowed the earth to swallow Korah and the others up.
When children mocked Elisha (II Kings 2:22-23), God allowed two she bears to destroy 42 of the mockers.
Biblical history tells us that Pontius Pilate, who ordered Jesus’ death, died by suicide, while the Bible tells us that Judas turned against Jesus, and became so miserable about what he had done against Jesus that he killed himself (Mat. 27:5).
In the same vein, the thief that perished on the cross with Christ, spoke against Jesus, and did not get saved and go to heaven.
David would not go against King Saul, even though the King did wrong several times against him. David’s heart was, “The LORD forbids that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed: …” I Samuel 26:11. David knew it was wrong to oppose God’s man. However, today there are many that have not the fear or respect to restrain them from talking against or doing ill against the leader God has placed over them as leaders; spiritually or politically.
Most of us that are always quick to condemn other people have in most cases forgotten that no man is perfect. We should not forget that rejecting a man of God for the position of leadership; whether within the spiritual or political realm is sin, and sin can only do harm to one’s life. One will not be all he can be with any sin in his life. The question still remains, what if Ize-Iyamu’s candidacy is from God?
Complaining about the man God has positioned to play leadership role is only going to bring disappointment to the people that rejected him. It will sow seeds of regret and in most cases, will only hinder, and not build, the State.
Speaking against God-appointed leader, could hinder the Holy Spirit of God from working in entire community, and in this Context, the State, or could bring the wrath of God on those that stopped him.
Speaking ill against the man of God will not encourage a chosen leader in doing all he can do. It discourages most leaders that are called by God and the people will surely suffer.
If people would realize that honoring God’s man is honoring God and His work, and would encourage and help a chosen leader, more infrastructural development would be recorded; and more aspiring leaders would be encouraged. It is expedient at this juncture to reiterate the prayerful headline of this piece that says, God Almighty! Open The Eyes Of Ize-Iyamu’s Calumniators That They May See. Of more expedient in this context is to warn that “If you don’t have anything good to say concerning Ize-Iyamu’s call as a pastor and political leader, don’t say anything!”
