By Revd. Dr. Idowu Ibitoye
Anchor Texts & Preamble
“So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey- the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorite, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites now live” Ex. 3:8, NLT
“He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey”. Deut. 26:9, NLT
Introduction
62 years ago, Nigeria gained her independence from
the colonial master, who laid a very good foundation in the health, educational and other sectors which later the became bedrock for Nigeria’s development. However, they almost impoverished Nigeria by exploiting over natural resources using such to enrich their nation.
Nigeria has a lot of reasons to celebrate and give thanks to God. The above passages will serve as our anchor text for this sermon and shall exegete it in the light of contemporary contextualisation.
The Rescue of Nigeria (Ex. 3:8a)- Nigeria’s independence can be likened to the scenario when God rescued the people of Israel from the Egyptian bondage. God sent His servant Moses to rescue them and He demonstrated His miraculous hand to deliver and rescue his children. The event at the red sea was the climax of how God manifested His love for His chosen Nation,(Ex. 14: 13-15). Nigeria as a nation is still waiting for a deliverer who will rescue the nation from the second bondage, in which we have found ourselves; the bondage of economic recession and insecurity. 2023 general election is another opportunity for Nigerians to choose credible and God-fearing leaders that will deliver and rescue the nation from the current state of mess we find ourselves.
He brought them out (3:8b): God brought out the Israelites from Egypt and took them to a promised land. Nigeria’s founding fathers have tried to bring Nigeria out from slavery into an independent sovereign nation.
God has brought Nigeria out of hopelessness, dependency and uncertainty into a glorious height. We must not sell ourselves into slavery.
The Israelites again went into the second slavery which lasted 70years and they were later rescued through a proclamation of decree made by King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1; 2:1). Immediately the exile returned to Jerusalem, the tasks of rebuilding the wall and temple was before them and the tasks were accomplished within a very short period through united efforts. Nigeria is in her second slavery and she needs freedom and liberty. In Nigeria of today the poor continue to wallow in poverty, while the rich continue to display their affluence by impoverishing the nation (Jer. 31:11).
A spacious land (3:8c) -When God brought Israel out from Egypt, he gave them a spacious and large area, though the Israelites fought many wars to gain and expand their territories. Likewise, Nigeria (the giant of Africa) is blessed with a large expanse of land for human activities. According to Wikipedia, Nigeria covers an area of 923, 769 square kilometers (356, 669 sq mi) and with the population over 218 million. It is the most populous country in Africa. The Amalgamation of 1914 was never a mistake, it was God’s masterplan and purpose. Nigerians should see the opportunity of her spacious land as a gift from God and utilize it for the advancement and progress of Nigeria.
A rich and fertile Land(3:8d)- God indeed promised the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey (Ex. 33:1-3). A visit to the nation of Israel will make one to wonder where is the milk and honey? A nation that experience rain at a very minimum period in a year; a nation filled with rocks and mountains, yet is blessed with agricultural produce powered by irrigation and mechanized farming. The farm produce of Israel is exported to other nations of the world. One will indeed conclude that it is a rich land, backed up by God’s covenant.
Nigeria is blessed with rich fertile lands. Both the north and the south are blessed with rich farm lands, we always experience rain for about eight months in a year. Farming was the pride of our fore fathers, “ise agbeni ise ilewa…”. It is on a sad note that many farmers have been sent to their early graves because of the constant clashes with herders, while many have deserted their farms. Something urgent must be done immediately in order to avert the imminent looming food crisis.
Nigeria is one of the largest producers of crude oil among the oil producing nations of the world yet her citizens still queue and spend nights at filling stations. It is only the few-rich individuals that continues to enrich themselves through the nation’s crude oil.
Blessed with human resources (Ps. 139:13-16): Nigeria is blessed with best brains and talented individuals who are doing exploits in all fields of life. The best human material kept on leaving the shore of Nigeria to other first world nations in search of ‘greener pasture’.They are leaving to develop other nations. Nigeria government must create an enabling environment to retain the best and gifted brains for the rapid development of our dear nation.
Flowing with milk and honey (Deut. 26:9)-These poetic words are expressing the beauty and productivity of the promised land. Likewise, it can be described as an ideal environment where there is peace and security. Nigeria is presently battling with security challenges; the government needs to use her political will to solve the insecurity ravaging the land. Lack of absolute security can stop the flow of milk and honey. Peace must reign in Nigeria!
A land of many nations (Ex. 3:8d) -The land which the Lord gave the Israelites was a land of many nations and tribes known as; the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. All these nations were later conquered into one indivisible nation of Israel. Likewise, Nigeria is blessed with many tribes and ethnic nationalities, with diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, such as; Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, Tiv, etc. These cultural affiliations must be conquered with the weapons of unity, love and patriotism as one nation. It is obvious that Christians are being discriminated against and persecuted in some parts of the nation, while some Christians are also denied promotion and appointment into some key government positions.
Government functionaries must rise to unite the country through the collaborative efforts of the civil society and religious organizations.
Building a Great Nation
Nigeria and Nigerians must rise to overcome her post-independence challenges.
Concerted efforts are needed by all well meaning Nigerians to build a great nation.
Leaders must be truthful, transparent and sincere in their leadership.
Education and health facilities must be available to the common Nigerian in the street.
Constant prayer for Nigeria, Ps. 122:6
Effective participation in the political process and electing credible leaders at all levels of governance.
Conclusion
Nigeria is a land flowing with milk and honey, we can overcome all the present challenges, let us believe in the Nigeria project. Everyone must experience a total rebirth and have a new orientation about Nigeria.
