By Oladipo Oluwatosin
Introduction
Throughout history, mankind has struggled with misplaced devotion. In the Old Testament, Israel constantly wavered between trusting in God and murmuring against Him. Despite experiencing miracles, they often doubted and sought human intermediaries rather than seeking the God of all creation. This same pattern persists today, where people revere pastors and spiritual leaders more than God Himself. This essay explores the dangers of misplaced faith, using biblical references to contrast reliance on the God of man versus exaltation of the man of God.
Israel’s Repeated Failure to Trust the God of Man
The Israelites witnessed unparalleled demonstrations of divine power. They saw the Red Sea part (Exodus 14:21-22), manna fall from heaven (Exodus 16:4-5), and water spring from a rock (Exodus 17:6). Yet, they repeatedly murmured against Moses and even against God Himself, showing that their focus was not truly on the God who delivered them.
1. Murmuring Against God Instead of Trusting Him
- Exodus 16:2-3 – The Israelites complained about hunger, saying they were better off in Egypt.
- Numbers 14:1-4 – Despite the promised land ahead, they wept and sought to return to slavery.
- Psalm 78:41-42 – They "limited the Holy One of Israel," forgetting His past miracles.
Rather than growing in faith, they saw God as a temporary provider rather than their eternal sustainer. This reflects today’s tendency to seek God only for material benefits while honoring religious leaders as the ultimate source of blessings.
2. Exalting a Man of God Over the God of Man
- Exodus 32:1-4 – When Moses delayed on Mount Sinai, the people demanded a golden calf, elevating an idol over God.
- 1 Samuel 8:4-7 – Israel rejected God as their King and asked for a human king like other nations.
- Jeremiah 17:5 – “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD.”
Israel often sought human figures to follow instead of trusting in God alone. Today, many believers idolize pastors, prophets, and spiritual leaders, placing their faith in them rather than in God.
Present-Day Saga: Worshipping Pastors Over Worshipping God
Just as Israel misplaced their faith, many Christians today revere pastors and prophets more than God. People rush to crusades and revival meetings expecting a man of God to perform miracles rather than seeking the God of the man.
1. Blindly Following Religious Leaders
- Matthew 15:14 – “If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 – Paul rebuked those who divided themselves under human leaders, stating, “Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”
Some believers defend their spiritual leaders even when they err, forgetting that every human is fallible. They chase after prophecies, miracles, and anointing oil rather than pursuing a personal relationship with God.
2. Replacing Personal Faith with a Middleman
- Acts 8:9-24 – Simon the sorcerer offered money to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing a heart focused on men’s power rather than God.
- Galatians 1:6-9 – Paul warned against following another gospel, even if delivered by an angel or a supposed man of God.
Modern Christianity is plagued with the dangerous tendency of seeking men for divine solutions instead of seeking God directly. This is a spiritual crisis that echoes Israel’s error.
Call to Return to the God of Man
God desires a personal relationship with His people, not a dependent faith that leans on spiritual leaders. The role of a man of God is to point people to God, not to replace Him.
1. Knowing God Personally
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 – "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his might... but let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me.”
- John 17:3 – Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ.
Instead of idolizing men, believers must cultivate a deep, personal walk with God through His Word and Spirit.
2. Testing the Spirits
- 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God.”
- Matthew 7:15-16 – Jesus warned against false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing.
Not every so-called man of God truly represents Him. Christians must discern and ensure their faith is anchored in God, not in personalities.
Conclusion
The question remains: Who do you know? The God of man or the man of God? Israel repeatedly failed to trust God despite His wonders, preferring human figures or idols. Today, many follow the same pattern, elevating pastors over God. The true believer must shift focus from men to the Almighty, recognizing that God alone is the source of power, salvation, and sustenance.
As Jesus declared in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This should be the foundation of our faith—knowing God, not just His messengers.
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