Bible Reading: Psalm 69
“They gave me also gall for my meat; and vinegar to drink” – Psalm 69: 21(KJV)
The heart of man is extremely complex and desperately wicked. People have experienced different levels of wickedness perpetuated against them by men who bath in evil waters. There have been instances where the acts of wickedness meted out against fellowmen was more deplorable than the instinctual barbarism of animals. On daily basis wickedness is multiplying in the same proportion with ungodly living. Wickedness and ungodliness are two major attributes of the last days. This was what Apostle John meant in 1 John 5:19(KJV): “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”
Men’s desperation for power and position in our society has resulted in their involvement in terrible acts of assassination and murder. It is no wonder then that the bible said that the “ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked who can know it? – Jeremiah 17:9(KJV).
David was a man who went through the crucibles of suffering to attain the throne of Israel. His suffering from the hand of Saul was unjustifiable and uncalled for. He was pursued with the intention to be killed in order to forestall his ascension to the throne. In one of his very trying times he made the above statement in one of his prayer to God. It also reflects on the suffering of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who for no offence or fault suffered the punishment meant for high criminals and murderers. While being crucified unjustly because of His mission to liberate mankind from the stranglehold of sin, the bible recorded as David prophesied: “They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink” – Matthew 27:34(KJV). If Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith can be treated in such manner by man’s wickedness, we as Christian should not expect less of such acts of wickedness from man.
Currently the Nigeria nation is experiencing one of the greatest horror in the history of that country, where pregnant women are butchered along with their foetus. Knives are being slashed through the throat of innocent children below the age of ten. Farm products which are a whole year efforts of a man are being destroyed in his presence and he is slaughtered for complaining in his ancestral land. The level of wickedness on display these days give credence to the facts we are in the end times in line with the prophecy in 2 Timothy 3:1(KJV), “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” We are really in the perilous times, the question is how prepared are you? The bible says that eccept those days be shortened there shall be no fleshed saved (Matthew 24:22). My dear reader we are in the era in history where you get vinegar mingled with gall in the place of help from your fellow man due to increased wickedness in the land. It is my plea that you prepare for this impending hour of destruction that is coming upon the world by accepting Jesus Christ into your life who paid the price for your sin now before it is too late.
Prayer: Father, fortify me with your grace to remain strong in you against this perilous times that has come upon the earth.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo