The real problem of Man
- Sanfo Agyo
- Feb 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 1, 2023
What is the root cause of man's multiple problems?
The core of the matter
The problems man faces are both local and global. Hunger and poverty for example are global problems with over 800 million people living in hunger. 23% of the global population live in poverty and the plan by the UN to end poverty by 2030 is almost impossible. Governments are dealing with problems like civil wars, unemployment, education issues etc. The family structure is under threat and social media is one of the leading factors for depression, self-harm and loneliness. Though the problems of man are numerous, the bible states that the root cause of all man’s problems began at the fall in Eden (Rms 3:23). And the Devil is the chief problem initiator. The real problem of man is sin and through sin the devil exploits man.
The real problem of man is sin and the Devil exploits man via sin
- Sanfo Agyo
John 10:10 tells us how sin gives room for the devil – to steal, kill and destroy. The devil is not just a baddie who wants to make us fall short of the glory of God (Rms 3:23), he institutes systems and people to cause damage (steal, kill and destroy) at domestic, industrial, national, and continental levels. He is not merely focused on singular individuals – he has a global mission. This is why the problems of man are not merely local but global.
Good news!!!
Isaiah 59:19b gives us an idea of how God responds to the devil,
“So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”
A standard is God’s comprehensive plan in response to the rising of the devil and the problems he causes. Note that God ‘will’ raise a standard, it is not that ‘God can raise a standard’ or ‘God intends to raise a standard’ case, it is a definite statement that He ‘will’ raise a standard.
Thus, the devil will steal – taking away what is not his and causing deprivation from his victims, but God will raise a standard against him. God restored the fortunes of Job when all he had was stolen from him (Job 42:10) and He still restores stolen goods of any sort today.
A standard is God’s comprehensive plan in response to the works of the devil
-Sanfo Agyo
The devil instigates all manner of unwarranted killings where lives and destinies can be lost, tears roll, hearts are broken, resentment floods out and people lose value in life … but in all these evils, God ‘will’ raise a standard. God’s answer to any ‘sort of killings and death’ is clear, “I am the one who brings people back to life, and I am life itself. Those who believe in me will live even if they die.” John 11:25
One of the biggest losses from wars is the destruction of lives, properties, governance and peace. States/countries involved can have ceasefires, but the biggest problem is recovering what has been destroyed. Even in destruction, God is the one that can bring comfort amid destruction (Is. 52:9), restore years of desolation (Joel 2:25), turn a wilderness into Eden (Is. 51:3), and rebuild ancient ruins (Is. 58:12).
The cross is God’s ultimate standard - hanging on the wooden frame, He solved the greatest problem of man, which is sin – nailing it forever. If Jesus could carry the weight of the world upon his shoulders, then surely, He can carry yours too. So, no matter what you have lost or what is dead or destroyed in your life, come to Jesus today and He will carry you.
The cross is God's ultimate standard
-Sanfo Agyo
Let the words of this song, “If he carried the weight of the world” encourage you today,
Verse 1
There Is No Problem Too Big
God Cannot Solve It
There Is No Mountain Too Tall
God Cannot Move It
There Is No Storm Too Dark
God Cannot Calm It
There Is No Sorrow Too Deep
He Cannot Soothe It
Chorus
In the next article, we shall consider what is God’s standard and how can God use a standard to solve the ailing problems of man – tracking back to the first problem of man in Eden and considering how God comprehensively solved the problem.
Shalom!
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