In a world rife with scepticism, gifts are often met with suspicion. This is one of many factors that contribute to the world’s unreliability. However, it is also possible to bypass what could be a life-altering opportunity. Opportunities are sometimes missed because of the uncertainty over the gift’s authenticity or the presence of hidden agendas. Thus, critically evaluating information may be the most valuable skill in today’s world.
The narrative of Jesus is marked by scepticism, yet it offers a chance to transform the world into a treasure. Imagine a thirsty impala eyeing a waterhole, wary of a lurking crocodile. The urge to drink may overpower its judgment, leading to a fatal error. However, this risk could be unfounded if the crocodile is absent. By avoiding the risk, the impala risks death from dehydration. Conversely, taking the risk could end in death if the crocodile is indeed present.
The scenario described is a common aspect of human physical existence, especially when juxtaposed with the concept of eternity. Life often falls short of our desires for joy due to the myriad dangers that surround us. Diseases, criminal activities, and government corruption, among other negative factors, frequently render life in this world less than ideal. The gospel of Jesus offers a vision of worldwide transformation for the better, yet the reliability of this promise is a matter of debate. The ability to critically evaluate information is a skill bestowed upon every individual privileged with life on this earth.
No matter the race or the part of the world a person is born into, life remains the most precious gift, enabling one to process and evaluate information. Whether a person is born from an act of violence or to a mother with mental health challenges, the gift of being brought into this world is incomparable. One’s circumstances may seem more daunting than another’s, but this does not diminish the fact that the opportunity of life is to be valued above all else. It is less productive to cast blame on others instead of taking responsibility to amend the mistakes.
One must begin by discovering their own identity, recognizing that they cannot be anyone else, as they are unique. No other person shares their identity, not even their parents. They are a creation made in God’s image. Therefore, it is not justifiable to blame one’s lineage for their life situation. The essence of this was unexpectedly unveiled when Peter recognized Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:17).
One must begin by discovering their own identity, recognizing that they are unique and cannot be anyone else. No other individual, including one’s parents, shares this distinct identity. Each person is a creation made in God’s image, which renders it pointless to blame one’s lineage for personal circumstances. This concept was echoed when Peter, without realizing it, declared Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:17).
With this insight, Jesus vowed to build His Church. Those who recognize themselves as God’s children would be members of this Church. They would stand out, unparalleled by anyone in this world. Like Jesus, they would be children of God, impervious to worldly conditions. With this cornerstone, one could harbor hope, as long as they dedicate their life entirely to Jesus. The problem with the world is that it is replete with individuals who readily impose conditions on others, frequently without any factual foundation. These individuals are also frequently caught assuming false identities.
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20 NKJV).
How did people come to assign Jesus the roles of John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets? The narrative suggests assumptions were made without factual basis, yet these assumptions were treated as credible. This reflects a broader issue in the world: the origin of falsehoods that lead to chaos. If everyone sought information from the source instead of relying on assumptions, imagine the difference it could make. Nowadays, it’s observed that some validate or invalidate information based on the racial background of the individual presenting it, implying infallibility if one belongs to a certain race.
How can progress be expected in a world built on assumptions? An impala that neglects a water source, assuming it’s infested with crocodiles, will succumb to dehydration. Similarly, it risks its life if it assumes the absence of crocodiles. The only resolution to this dilemma is a cautious inspection before settling comfortably, with the right decision. This is more a matter of common sense than something that requires a doctorate for verification.
Many beliefs are accepted as true in this world, even when they are demonstrably false. Often, it is a matter of who speaks rather than what is said. Beliefs are adopted based on the speaker’s credentials rather than on the truth itself. Conversely, truths can be deliberately rejected based on the speaker’s background. This phenomenon underscores the Jewish rejection of Jesus.
The inquiry into why some Jewish individuals did not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, despite Him fulfilling their own prophecies, is not complex. They attributed to Jesus an identity that was not accurate. They were prepared to go to great lengths, even to the point of murder, to maintain their erroneous beliefs. In opposing Jesus, they were supporting the unsupportable, as He consistently demonstrated His legitimacy according to Scripture. They anticipated a Messiah who would conform to their own expectations.
One of the most remarkable events was when Jesus healed a person born blind. Although there was no doubt that such miracles could only be divine, they still rejected the obvious proof. They could not accept Jesus as a messenger from God. Even when the healed person was presented to them, they hesitated, entertaining the idea that perhaps the individual had not been blind from birth. Their inquiries aimed to confirm their own beliefs rather than seek the truth. This often characterizes the conduct of those who make judgments based on unconfirmed information.
The parents were summoned to confirm whether their son was indeed born blind. Feeling intimidated by the demagogues who had clearly taken a stance, they cleverly proposed that the information should come from their son, given his maturity. The testimony of the man who had been blind was dismissed, and he was expelled from their presence. The issue at hand was perplexing. Rather than rejoicing in the healing of someone born with such a condition, they took offence. As self-proclaimed religious individuals, it begs the question of where their allegiances lay.
The man who had been blind might have found the religious leaders’ actions baffling. Despite his blindness, their religious convictions offered him no support. Instead of rejoicing in his newfound sight, they descended into turmoil. This defies logic and muddles common sense. Such behaviour was not exclusive to the Jewish religious leaders; it reflects a broader issue within humanity. In the end, the expulsion of the once-blind man turned out to be opportunistic.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshipped Him. And Jesus said, “For judgment, I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains” (John 9:35-41 NKJV).
The misinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings stems from the disparity between physical and spiritual perspectives. Assuming physical vision can lead to spiritual blindness. Conversely, possessing spiritual vision does not equate to physical blindness. This emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness over physical existence. Consequently, individuals who are spiritually blind may become excessively emotional, trying to compensate for their lack of spiritual insight. Yet, heightened emotionality further obscures vision. Jesus stands as the singular figure with the spiritual acuity necessary to liberate individuals from this blindness.
The world is replete with confusion, often stemming from information deemed credible yet lacking verifiable sources. Some individuals claim authority without the necessary proof, relying solely on man-made titles. In contrast, the highest authority is considered to be divine, and accessible through spiritual means. This begins by recognizing one’s spiritual state, which transcends the physical realm, leading to an understanding of oneself as a child of God.
Spiritual knowledge is considered superior to physical knowledge. Jesus taught that faith, even if it’s as small as a mustard seed, can enable the impossible. This implies that humans are destined to surpass their physical constraints. For instance, the Pharisees possessed authoritative roles derived from humanly bestowed titles. The human perspective often infers that a title, such as “Chairman,” carries with it an assumption of all-knowingness.
Whatever the “Chairman” declares, regardless of its absurdity, is accepted as truth without dissent. This practice, reflecting that of neighbouring nations, found favour among the Israelites. It is a form of reasoning rooted in idolatry, which naturally attracts humans. Originally, God did not intend for the Israelites to have a king. Nevertheless, they ardently desired one, even against God’s cautions regarding the possible behaviour of human kings.
But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:6-7 NKJV).
The inclination to be ruled by a king stems from a form of idolatry. People wish to place their trust in a tangible figure, rather than an unseen deity. This behaviour reveals their reluctance to self-govern. Although Samuel interceded with God for them, it proved insufficient. The foremost commandment to have no other gods had not been wholeheartedly embraced. The tendency to defy God seemed perpetually alluring to them.
Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the Lord. So the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed their voice, and make them a king.” And Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Every man go to his city.” (1 Samuel 8:19-22 NKJV).
This line of reasoning is shaped by the god of this world, who awaits chances to sway their actions through that human ruler. This perspective contrasts with that of Jesus, who placed His trust solely in His Father in Heaven, not in any person. He instructed His disciples to adopt the same stance. As a master of deception, Satan has infiltrated the Church by establishing unauthorized leadership roles. This occurs despite Jesus’ clear directive for a mode of conduct distinct from typical human behaviour. He issued this command before denouncing the Pharisees’ conduct, which had become deeply rooted in human tradition.
“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves nor do you allow those who are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:8-13 NKJV).
The behaviour in question stems from a lack of understanding of human origins. Recognizing oneself as God’s child, one cannot acknowledge any authority other than that which comes directly from God. The Church was established on the principle of recognizing oneself as God’s child. Like Jesus, such individuals are accountable solely to God and possess the ability to validate the divine authenticity of all information. This recognition is the only true freedom available in this world.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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