GOD IS NOT A RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT

          PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU [REV.]

NCE [Eng.] ND/HD [Journalism} DIP: BA {Theology} MA: PhD

     GOD IS NOT A RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT

MAIN TEXT:  ‘The LORD is the GOVERNOR among nations’,[Psalm 22:28]

WRITER’S QUOTE: The order in creation shows the work of GOD is perfect,

 and the maintenance of the order shows HE is in control.

Introduction:

For a start, this discourse seeks to illuminate the minds of its audience to enable them begin to see the work of GOD in the world from a holistic standpoint. GOD is not concentrating on the church alone, but on all the affairs of mankind, be it in the church or in what is known as the secular or non-religious world. The secular mind thinks GOD abandoned the project of this world and retired after creation, as the religious or sacred mind believes HE is in the affair of mankind, but concentrates on church or religious matters, having nothing to do with the secular world. But, biblically speaking, God is holistic in HIS approach to man and his affairs in the world, since HE rules and explores both the religious and non-religious world. The whole world and everything established in it [including the church] is HIS generation ground, whereas the church in particular is HIS regeneration ground. By HIS ‘Procreation Commission’ souls are generated or born into the world, [Genesis 1:28], and by HIS ‘Gospel Commission’ souls are regeneration or born again into the church and thereby are prepared for the Kingdom of GOD, [Matthew 28:19].

Everyone born into this world, believer or non-believer is a child of destiny, as the career or profession of every individual is designed and established by GOD in the spirit of such a person before birth, which informs the choice of one’s career or profession. But this could be distorted by Satan, resulting in one making the wrong choice of career in life. This has been the prominent cause of failures in life. By this revelation, it becomes obvious that, all things being equal, everyone in any life career, irrespective of place, time or religion is placed there by GOD and therefore should serve HIM in such divinely placed capacity or position. On the other hand, every career misplaced person is misplaced by Satan, and so, should seek rediscovery from GOD through our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.

HOLLISTIC THEOLOGY AND THE SUPERINTENDENCE OF GOD

Holistic Theology is that branch of theology that sees GOD as the maker and superintendent of the whole world and advocates the exploration of both the secular and sacred dimensions of it, by believers, through the means of the Holy Spirit. Holistic Theology, however, should not be confused with what is known today as ‘Kingdom Now Theology’ in which proponents hold a view to establishing a peaceful world political order as will be ruled by believers. On the contrary, the advocates of Holistic Theology hold that GOD is sovereign and that in HIS sovereignty puts anyone HE wills, believer or non-believer in positions of authority and yet in perfect control. It is the view of the Holistic Theologians that since the earth is the LORD’S and the fullness thereof, and that since the believer in CHRIST shares in HIS authority and power, such a believer can make major successes in both secular and sacred ventures without a view to establishing any political order.

DIMENSIONS OF GOD’S SUPERINTENDENCE

As the topic of this project declares, GOD is not a retired superintendent, HE is in control, unchangeable, and can never be displaced. Having this basic truth in mind, it becomes proper to examine the acts of GOD in creation, redemption and governance, as this would help the sincere reader in understanding that GOD is forever the superintendent of all things. In line with the foregoing, please notice that;

1 God Has not Retired as Creator: The Genesis account of the Bible narrates the creation story and credits the whole work to GOD. It narrates how every other creature and man were created by GOD, as well as expresses HIS delight for a work well done, [Genesis 1: 1-31]. The narration equally shows that GOD finished the work of creation and made man the alchemist of this earth. Literally speaking, an alchemist is one who changes metal into gold. In this connection, GOD gave man the power of procreation which he sustains till date, as well as the power to transform all things as he wills. However, despite the power of procreation and transformation given to man, it is important to note that no soul comes into this world without GOD’S approval, and that man cannot work alone in his transformation role. This is clearly expressed in Psalm 127:1-2, and I quote, “unless the LORD builds the house its builders labour in vain…as sons are a heritage from the LORD, and children a reward from HIM”, unquote. This shows that in spite of the fact that man and woman play sexual role in procreation, it becomes evident that it is GOD who brings every life into existence, as well as behind every science and technology by which the world is transformed. This makes it clear that GOD did not retire as Creator.

2 God Has not Retired as Redeemer: GOD’S first official and physical redemptive outing was in Egypt, where HE delivered Israelites from the house of bondage. This pictures HIS plan for the deliverance of mankind from the bondages of Satan and sin. In Israel’s physical redemption, Moses was used, but the redemption of mankind from centuries of Satan’s domination and slavery couldn’t have been done by no other, but JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED REDEEMER, the LAMB OF GOD  without blemish, [1Peter 1:19], who offered HIMSELF as ransom for the human race, [1 Tim 2:5-6]. This makes the redemption of anyone who believes in HIM possible,[Ephesians1:7]. By this, also, this discourse shows that GOD has not retired as REDEEMER.

3 God Has not Retired as Governor: The Psalmist keenly observes that GOD is the Governor among nations, [Psalm 22:28], as the Apostle Paul remarks that, ‘no authority except that which GOD has established…’,[Romans13:1]. These scriptures show that GOD is very much present in the affairs of mankind, and also indicates that in every nation of the world, anyone in position of power, either by omission or commission, is put there by GOD and that such a person only represents HIM and, therefore, should not think otherwise, since this world is really governed from GOD’S THRONE on high, as no one can go beyond the limits of DIVINE delegation. And so, GOD has not equally retired as Governor.

GOD WANTS TO BECOME THE SUPERINTENDENT OF YOUR LIFE

By way of definition, “a superintendent is one who manages watches and directs the affairs of a person, group of persons or organization. This is the position that GOD wants to occupy in the lives of all who live on earth. But, to many, sin is preferred and thereby yielding to the superintendence of Satan, instead of GOD. However, to anyone who desires GOD’S Superintendence, JESUS graciously calls, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and L will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light”, [Matthew 11:28-30]. REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL!