According to the Scripture, by prophet Micah, it was prophesied that our Lord Jesus Christ would be born in Bethlehem, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me One who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2). That's exactly where Jesus was born, "She gave birth to her first-born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn", (Luke 2:7). Bethlehem could not find a better place where their prophesied Ruler was to be born. It's just like today where each person prefers to tongue down every prophet of God, true prophet or not.
All that was prophesied about Jesus happened and brought about public recognition to Joseph, an obscure carpenter and His mother an unknown Mary. But while would Bethlehem have no room for such a great personality of Bethlehem? The local innkeepers might just be some ordinary individuals but with no knowledge about Joseph, Mary or even their son Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the manger where Jesus was to have been born has become a visiting site for tourists in Israel forever. Similarly, many go to the Synagogue Church of All Nations, (SCOAN), Lagos, only as spectators or expecting only to be healed but with no knowledge of the purpose of prophet TB Joshua, faith in Jesus Christ or who Jesus Christ truly is. We recognise them as "Bethlehem without a room for Jesus". Everyone needs to open up his or her heart for Jesus to come in and abide therein permanently.
History is building up in Nigeria from SCOAN but most people cannot see because their hearts are closed and they look at TB Joshua with mere physical eyes. Prophet TB Joshua is a prophet of Jesus Christ from Nigeria but with a unique message to bring many to the saving light of God in Christ Jesus. The prophet wants to be known by his love as he serves Jesus through ministering to people's needs. This love is shown through the multiple of miracles and deliverance services aired by Emmanuel TV. Those who benefit from the deliverance service of SCOAN must go and preach Christ to all others because they now have open hearts. It is like when the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." Hence, let us have open hearts to receive Jesus and spread Him abroad, even as we visit SCOAN, a ministry that is vigorously practically preaching Christ in truth. In time the entire Christian body is enriched and God is glorified.
Therefore if Jesus knocks at your door today kindly open your heart to Him. In Jesus days religious leaders failed to recognise Jesus and they opposed Him till they had Him nailed on the cross wrongly. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, (John 1: 12-13).
Prof. R. A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
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