There has been a lot of controversy surrounding a prophetic statement made by Nigerian pastor Apostle Joshua Selman regarding the raising and training of new Indigenous Apostolic voices, particularly in South Africa. The apostle mentioned that God will handpick men, and many of those will be brought to Nigeria for training. This statement stirred up a significant amount of backlash from some members of the South African Christian community, with objections raised about the prophecy not aligning with their expectations and some accusing the apostle of perpetuating a Nigerian “big brother” attitude toward South Africa.
It is essential to approach matters like these with a spirit of openness and discernment. Instead of dismissing a prophecy based on the geographical location of the proposed training, it is crucial to focus on the essence and message that the prophecy carries. Prophecies are not bound by geographical boundaries; their fulfilment is dependent on divine orchestration and timing.
It is disheartening to see feelings of entitlement and xenophobia emerging in response to a spiritual prophecy. This reflects poorly on our society in South Africa. The body of Christ is not limited by national borders or individual preferences; it’s a global entity that goes beyond cultural and regional differences. Therefore, the focus should be on embracing the message and its potential impact on nurturing spiritual growth and leadership, instead of allowing divisive attitudes to overshadow the essence of the prophecy.
The body of Christ is meant to be a place of love, unity, and acceptance, transcending cultural and national boundaries. Xenophobic attitudes have no place in a community that is called to love one another as Christ loved us. It is important for us to confront and address any form of xenophobia within the church and strive to promote a culture of inclusivity and respect for all members, regardless of their background or nationality.
It is important for individuals within the Christian community to reflect on their responses and ensure that they are not driven by jealousy, entitlement, love for money, or pride. The attributes of Satan, such as jealousy and pride, have no place in the body of Christ. The South African Christian community needs to realize that reaching a certain level spiritually requires self-sacrifice and investing in your spiritual growth, something most pastors in this country are not willing to do. There should be a willingness to embrace diverse perspectives and recognize that spiritual growth requires humility, openness, and a genuine desire to seek God’s will above personal inclinations.
Rather than allowing divisive attitudes to overshadow the essence of the message, there should be a collective effort to embrace God’s guidance with an open heart and a willingness to look beyond personal preferences. Ultimately, the fulfilment of a prophecy is not contingent on human expectations or limitations, but on divine orchestration and purpose.
Zenoyise John is a political and social commentator.
