WHAT IS THE ACCUSATION AGAINST YOU?

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Today’s Reading:

Luke 6:6-11

“So, the Scribes and Pharisees watched him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against him.” (v. 7)

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Are you aware that some people watch out for the downfall, mistakes, sins, etc, of others? Some look out for the errors, or contrary claims made by others and even proceed to a court of law to file cases against them. In both the secular and spiritual worlds, some accusers accuse or make accusations against others, whether innocent or otherwise. “Accusation” is the act of accusing someone. It is a charge, statement or claim that someone has done something wrong, run foul of rules and regulations, overstepped boundaries, or has defaulted or offended. The “Accuser” is the one who makes the claim, while the “Accused” is the one who is being accused/charged.

In both worlds, there are many reasons or motives behind any accusation. In the secular world, it may include: rivalry or jealousy, revenge, etc, while in the spiritual world, specifically in the kingdom of light, it is generally against the faith of the children of God, believers in God and his Son Jesus Christ. There is a familiar verse in the Scripture in which Satan, the devil, is mentioned as the “Accuser” of the brethren (Rev. 12:10). He earned this title because it is written that he accused the brethren before God in heaven, day and night. What readily comes to mind is the account written in Job 1:16, in which it is said that there was a day when the Sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. When God asked him from where he came, he said from going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it. He(devil also called the great dragon, serpent of old, Satan) carries out the activities of deceiving the whole world (Rev. 12:9). Specifically, he accuses believers of sins, failures, thereby attempting to point out to God that they are unworthy of his love, blessings, favours, etc. Also, he reminds believers of their imperfection, thereby eroding their faith and relentlessly trying to undermine their faith in Christ. In 1 Peter 5:8, he is said to prowl around like a roaring lion, seeking whom to devour.

A priest of Israel, Joshua was said to have stood accused by Satan/devil of his filthy garment, while standing before the Angel of the Lord. (Zech. 3:1-2). Aside from the devil, individuals who are against the mission and the cross of Jesus accuse and continue to accuse believers. In the New Testament days, the Jews, Scribes and Pharisees, who were very antagonistic to Jesus and his mission on earth, continuously opposed and accused him of practically everything. This stemmed from jealousy and the fact that they did not believe or recognise him as the Messiah promised by God, and spoken of by the prophets. Christ appeared to be too simple to be the long-awaited deliverer and Messiah. In our Today’s reading in v7, we read of how the Scribes and Pharisees watched Jesus closely, whether He would heal a man among them, with a withered right hand, so that they might find an accusation against him, because it was a Sabbath. According to the Jewish Law, the people were commanded not to do any work on the Sabbath. They had earlier accused him of doing what was unlawful on a Sabbath when He plucked the heads of grain and ate (v 1-2). On each occasion, Jesus, the Omnipotent God with the Father, knew their thoughts and answered them appropriately. On this occasion, He asked them if it was lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy (v9). It is important to note that whether Jesus was accused/opposed or not, He went ahead to do what was right.

On this occasion, He asked the man to stretch out his hand, and it was restored as whole as the other. Other examples abound in the New Testament, especially of Christians in the early Church. Stephen, said to be a man full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. He was accused of blasphemous words against Moses and God. He appeared before the Jewish council, where he extensively defended his faith, but was eventually stoned to death (Acts 6:7). The question is: What is the accusation against you? Once you are a believer, a true child of God, you will surely be accused. Accusations will be laid against you because of your faith. However, you should be careful that they are not associated with or border on any form of unrighteousness, lack of fear of God, wavering commitment or backsliding. Once one remains a true believer on the side of God and Christ, they are sure to play their roles of total deliverance at the appointed time. However, in between, everything needed will be provided to support you, including the peace that passes all understanding, strength, power of the Holy Spirit, provisions, etc. The roles of the believer include: trust in God for justice; trust in Christ who intercedes; standing firm in faith; relying on God’s word; resisting the devil; being assured of no more condemnation (Rom. 8:1); freed from the chain of sin (Rom. 6:17, John 8:36); pleading the blood of Jesus actively and being active in witnessing for Christ. Victory over accusations is granted!

CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.

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Prayer:

1. God of all creation, You are worthy of our praise and adoration.

2. Father, thank you for the gift of your only begotten Son, who saved and freed us.

3. Precious Lord, help us to be true believers in you and be ready to overcome accusations as we stand in faith for you all the way.

4. Father, continue to equip the church, especially in our nation, to overcome the raging persecution against believers.

5. God of all nations, help our leaders to be truthful and ready to work with you in putting an end to insecurity in our land.