17/01/2025
Happy new year
The Full at Forty: A tale of the supernatural in the ministries of Apst Joshua Selman, Apst. Michael Orokpo and Pst. Jerry Eze
E.A Ugwa, PhD, FWACS, FMCOG
To see these three youngmen stand along side Apst. Felix Okoh knocks my socks off. Other than Mr Okoh, a Nigerian born kingdom sensation based in S A these are young men supposedly in their forties.
A fool at forty is a fool forever. These men are however full at forty. They are full of the supernatural. A lot of young men at their age are doing well in politics, science and technology etc but sadly a huge number are at various stages of their doom.
The other thing that impresses me is the connection between generations. The very Reverend Apst. Anselm Madubuko, a colossus in his mid or late 60s, was also featured alongside these young men in their early 40s. There was obviously no threat about who holds the authority between the two generations.That's how it should be.
But what is it about 40? Is it a coincidence that these men are in their 40s or is there something divine?
I want to quickly make a disclosure, I am not a theologian. I have however shown keen in bible study using all available resources and the help of the Holy Spirit.
In biblical numerology, the number 40 is often seen as period of probation or trial. It was used about 158 times in the kjv of the Bible.
Notably, the Israelites wandered for 40 years (Deuteronomy 8:2-5); Moses was on the mount for 40 days (Exodus 24:18); 40 days were involved in the story of Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3:4); Jesus was tempted for 40 days (Matthew 4:2); there were 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3).
Forty years is a number for the generation of man. Moses' life, as an example of trial and testing, can be divided up into three blocks of 40 years.
The first 40 years of Moses' life saw him growing up in Pharaoh's household and living in Egypt until he slew a man and had to flee to Midian. The second part of his life was spent as a shepherd in the wilderness until God called him at 80 to save his people. During the last 40years of his life he led the Israelites out of Egypt and died at the age of 120years.
I believe that these men had a probation or trial period in the first 40years of their lives or so when little or nothing was heard about them. Now having passed their tests by the mercies of God they are in a new generation of another 40years and more when we will witness an unprecedented move of God and revivals accross the nations of the world.
If we understand biblical prophecy, could this be the period which the Bible declared that the young men shall see vision (Joel 2:28). I feel it is because the dimensions of revelations these young men deliver and the consistency and the growing number of miracles, influence and wealth they control are jaw-dropping.
If my history is right, a man by the name Pa. Sydney Elton was a key figure in the Nigerian pentecostal movement. A man acclaimed to be forerunner for Ayo Babalola, Benson Idahosa, E.A Adeboye, W.F Kymuyi etc. was told by God to move specifically to Ilesha where he spent 50years of his life.
About one year before his death, he spoke prophetically concerning Nigeria. He said that,
"Nigeria and Nigerians will be known all over the world for corruption. Your name Nigeria will stink for corruption but after a while, a new phase will come, a phase of righteousness. People from the nations of the earth will hold to a Nigerian and say, We want to follow you to your nation to go and learn righteousness.”
Could these be the days that this patriarch and others, including the present day critics spoke about? To me, it looks like this is the Era, the generation. Let us give them a chance and allow the fire of genuine revival to burn. Where there is a need to correct these young men, it should be done first privately and positively. The present day internet buzz of criticism may attract followers but unlikely to glorify God.
This year I turned fifty and it dawned on me that I have slipped the generation of the 40s. I learnt that what I was not able to do at my 40s or at anytime, I should never criticize or envy others who are able to do them. I will be a fool at 50 to envy their generation because no matter how I try I can never get back their. Forward ever, backward never!
If I have my way as a elder brother I could support them in prayers and provide guidance from the vantage point of experience. I will advice them to be careful of the followers who shower praises on them as if they were God and can even engage in wars of words to defend them. They should connect with the older ones respectful and take heed so that they do not fall. They should be careful with the fame, females and finances. They should be humble and give God the first place always in their lives. They should honour their marriage and family at all times.
However old ones, you cannot Lord it over them. There is no law that states that you must be recognized by them involuntarily as a spiritual father.
These young men are strong, and the word of God lives in then, and they have overcome the evil one. 1John.2:13-14
Please let them be!
Shalom.
