Amai Grace Mugabe’s most recent rally was at Kanyemba Secondary School in Chiweshe. The word of the day was delivered by Sarah Mahoka, Hurungwe East MP. She read from Romans 13 v 1-2 which says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation [KJV].” It was a scripture chosen to target “enemies”, not to inform people about submission to leadership. Their party, Zanu PF, is at war. Succession battles have taken centre stage with accusations and counter accusations being the order of the day. Some pronounce suspensions, and those suspended will convene their own press conference to rubbish the vote of no confidence passed on them. The drama is just too much and it culminated in clashes between war veterans, police and the youths on Thursday in central Harare.
Conelia Mabasa
Zanu PF clashes are not the subject of this installment, but the use of God’s word to attack foes. Soon after the reading, explanation of the word and prayer, what followed had nothing to do with God. There were tribal songs, evil remarks as cadres were accused of planning to kill. Generally, the atmosphere was poisoned by fear, anger and open hatred. As an observer, I had a feeling that they shouldn’t have read the word of the Lord in the first place. It was difficult to reconcile how people who had bowed their heads in prayer were suddenly taunting each other and daring each other to open fights.
However, this was not the first time, nor is it going to be the last, that the word of God and His name is abused. So many people are taking the Word at face value and are trying to apply it to their sins and machinations, but still expect God to act on His word and promises. Sometimes evangelists themselves explain the word in a way that suits them or a particular theme they might have. Some prophets among us are guilty of mixing the word of God with signs and wonders from elsewhere to exalt their own names. But the Holy Book is sacred and the scriptures are God’s own breath to his prophets who recorded every message with diligence. It is not an instrument with which to rebuke enemies. Hebrews 4 v 12 reads, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart [KJV]”. Inasmuch as it was not lost to many people that nobody was humbling themselves before God, I believe it was also not lost to the Almighty that the shared word and prayer was just a ritual.
While God delights in the humble, politicians are arrogant. While God upholds servant leadership, our politicians want to be served, if not hero-worshipped. God says forgive seventy times seven, yet our leaders are threatening to expose each other.
Let us uphold the sacred nature of the Word and if we are genuine, He will come to our rescue for He says in 2 Chronicles 7 v 14; “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land [KJV].” Which God heals a nation at war with itself? No need to demean Him or His word.
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