TB Joshua the Herald of the Possibilities We Enjoy in Christ

 

It is still very difficult for many of us to accept that we may not see Prophet TB Joshua imparting his "God sent" hands-on us physically again. He was the focal point. For example, in February 2020, just before the covid-19 global epidemic, a visitor from Tanzania confided in me, when we were on the prayer ground, that Prophet TB Joshua was the main reason that brought them to Nigeria. Hence it is envisaged that the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, may be different without its Founder. Nevertheless, the legacies he left behind are strong enough for continuity. The type of gates Prophet TB Joshua built around SCOAN, is a "Dynamic-Absolute-Faith in Jesus Christ". Normally the protection of a city would depend on the strength or power of its gates, during times of adversities like this, the gates of that city would usually be the first place of assault.

The acronym SCOAN does not refer to a building or an organization, but to people across the globe who have been taught to understand their identity in Jesus Christ, His completeness and sufficiency. In (Matthew 16:18), Jesus said that “…you are Peter (TB Joshua, SCOAN, you may insert your name if you know Jesus)  and upon this Rock, (upon this revelation of My true identity), I will build My CHURCH, (SCOAN). Every Christian Ministry should learn lessons from TB Joshua and from SCOAN instead of just carelessly passing judgment, criticism, abuses on things they have the least information.

Many lessons can be learned by observing the life of another, in particular between TB Joshua and those under him. We can learn from their habits and disciplines, how they relate to others, and even from their faults, beyond news media speculations and gossips that depart from the truth. The relationship between Elisha and Elijah the master provides an excellent example.  Elisha was destined for a double portion, but if he had never first offered himself as a servant to Elijah, he would have remained a farmer, never be known and never performed the amazing miracles that blessed the lives of so many others. The final time Elisha spent with his master indicates his total loyalty to his call. In (2 Kings 2:6-7) we read that, "Elijah said to Elisha, 'Stay here, for the LORD has told me to go to the Jordan River.' But again Elisha replied, 'As surely as the LORD lives and you live, I will never leave you.' So they went on together. Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River." (2 Kings 2:6-7 NLT).

One lesson all prophets have to learn from Elijah is the test he set for Elisha the then-upcoming young prophet.  Three times Elijah told Elisha to stay behind, but each time Elisha the student refused to leave his master's side. Others were watching from a distance, but Elisha wanted a close-up and personal view of what God was about to do in Elijah's life. The fifty others watching from a distance were not left with the double portion, only Elisha the one who had persevered. Today many so-called prophets are not just watching from the distance but they constitute themselves to police of the social media and judges of the open social court. In (Matthew 12:27,36-37 KJV) we also read,  "If I (Jesus) by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words, thou shalt be condemned."

Therefore let us all take to heart as Prophet TB Joshua remains are laid within the SCOAN premises. The Saki of Arigidi and his entire Arigidi's Elder Forum and Council of Chiefs' efforts to bring the body of one of their illustrious sons to be buried in Arigidi are highly appreciated. The world has come to know TB Joshua not because he came from Arigidi in Nigeria but because of his works. His works are what all of us must support to continue so that he, Prophet TB Joshua, can continue to live on in all hearts. We are praying hard for the continuity of all TB Joshua's Ministries. Even as he used to say that. "Better is not good enough, the Best is yet to come", so it shall be. Prophet TB Joshua's life is therefore the herald of the possibilities we have in Jesus Christ if only we can truly believe. 

PROPHET TB JOSHUA LIVES ON!!

Prof.  R. A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria