Self denial

THE WORD SIROCCO

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Month Theme: The Sons of Oil

Topic: Ecclesiastical and Civil Powers Must Rise

Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:1-18; Zechariah 4:12-14

Main Text:
Zechariah 4:14
14  Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

Ancient Laodicea was a rich banking centre. The financial position of the city deceived the church there into thinking it was rich. The city was also noted for the manufacturing of black wool and special eye salve for curing eye diseases. These endowments deceived the Laodiceans further into thinking they were gorgeously clothed and had perfect vision (Revelation 3:14-18). The church confused false riches with the true riches, which are spiritual in nature.

After the captivity, it became necessary to rebuild the entire city of Jerusalem and societal life in general. The temple does not exist in isolation from life in general. It was therefore imperative for God to choose both Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor for the holistic restoration of Judah. They represented ecclesiastical power and civil power respectively.

Human beings usually fall into various extreme groups. One group of extremists is so worldly that it does not recognise the role of ecclesiastical power. Another group is so spiritually zealous that it fails to acknowledge the indispensability of civil power to help the Church be the light of the world. We must however, note that both ecclesiastical and civil powers are indispensable.

Prayer: Pray for churches and Christian businesses that God will preserve them, especially in these interesting times.

Recommended Reading:
“The Sons of Oil” by Eastwood Anaba
( Find e-books at http://www.amazon.com)
http://www.eastwoodanaba.com