Prophet TB Joshua of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), is a remarkable man. I think that every one of us who have met him on any occasion is always inspired and challenged by his life. He carries grace, humility, simplicity and love. He was born in Arigidi Akoko, a remote part of the present Ondo State of Nigeria at a time that part of the country was in the Western Region Nigeria. He was to be known, not because he has rich and famous parents, or because of some academic achievement in science, but because of what he has been able to single-handedly achieve in human restoration and reformation through faith in Christ. The average life expectancy in Nigeria (before COVID-19 set in to further reduce it) is between 53 and 54 years. Hence TB Joshua at 58 has lived above the average age of people of his country, despite his arduous missionary work confronted by opposition from multiple directions, visible and invisible. It has only been possible by God’s grace protecting him; Congratulations for a Happy Birthday with all our Best Wishes to you and your lovely family.
At age 58 God might still not have answered all the prayers of Prophet TB Joshua in the way that he might have hoped but we know that God has used him to reach people in many communities, prisons, orphanages, hospitals and many nations. He had laid hands or hugged thousands of people across the globe in the process of ministration, praying and setting them free from the grip and shackles of Satan. God overlooked any limitations of our prophet and invested him with the ability to uplift hearts and encourage people’s spirits. They got up from wheelchairs, threw away walking sticks, the blind seeing, deaf hearing, all saying “Thank You, Jesus, Thank You, Jesus”.
It has been the grace of God upholding the man of God whilst the entire society remains only carnal, saying things they ought not. Unfortunately, there exists amongst the various sects envying, strife, divisions, and many so-called men of God but living and walking as natural men. While some groups say they are of Paul, others say they are of Apollos. But neither is he that plants nor he that waters anything, but God that gives the increase, (1 Corinthians 3:3-7). Prophet TB Joshua has been teaching on Church unity rather than campaigning against others. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh and the weapons of our warfare carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Do you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so, are we Christ’s. (2 Corinthians 10:3-7). It is the mighty grace of God that is protecting every true man of God.
The people of God depend on the grace of God. Mother Teresa wrote, “I don’t think there is anyone who needs God’s help and grace as much as I do. Sometimes I feel so helpless and weak. I think that is why God uses me. Because I cannot depend on my strength, I rely on Him twenty-four hours a day. If the day had even more hours, then I would need His help and grace during those as well.” Similarly, Apostle Paul expressed this dependence when he wrote about the thorn in his flesh. Three times he pleaded with the Lord to take it away. But God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”,(2 Corinthians 12:9). His grace is not only amazing, it is “sufficient”. It is enough. Prophet TB Joshua also said that “we need God to sit, to stand, to take each step, etc”. Our prayer is Psalms 90:12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”.
Happy 57th Birthday to Prophet TB Joshua, the man at the Synagogue, Church of All Nations. Emmanuel.
Prof. R. A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
