In our generation, there are many variables and agents that attest to the peculiarity of our time. The radix (Latin word meaning root) of this peculiarity is not rooted in political demagoguery of the highest order, it is not rooted in hyperbolic media sensationalism, it is not rooted in economic global downturn, it is not rooted in deathly manifestations of pestilences, it is not rooted in major and minor religions of spiritual concern, it is not rooted in the pragmatic ordering of daily life, it is not rooted in human ingenuity or intellectual prowess, it is not rooted in technical capability and formulation, it is not rooted in the vast oceans of public opinion nor in the rivers of impotent conspiracy theories, it is not rooted in the halls of criminal injustice nor in the public square of racial hatred and intolerance, it is not rooted in the satanic forces of darkness nor in the blinded human agents they seek to manipulatively prostitute, it is not rooted in the Eternal Godhead nor in the divine truth promulgated through the gospel of Jesus Christ; no, these elements cannot be the radix of the peculiarity of our time because mankind has transitioned through all of these experiences in times past, bringing to fruition the word of the Lord when it presents: “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past” and also, “I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts”. Critically, the radix of the peculiarity of our time can only be procured in the singular revelation of how we will speak of our time to future generations. What will be the nature and condition of the testimonies that we bequeath to the succeeding generations? Will they be testimonies of moxy and spiritual fortitude or will they be testimonies of trepidation and spiritual apathy? Will we share testimonies laced with unquenchable spiritual fervor born out of the cauldron of life’s afflictions and the lessons they’ve communicated to us or will we render testimonies spun from the venomous mandibles of vain imaginations and the hypodermic asps of erroneous deceptions? Will we leave future generations rich legacies of lives lived as “Powerful Witnesses” to what can be attained when there is a collision between time and eternity, the finite and the infinite, the Eternal Godhead and the human existential condition; that results in a summorphon (Greek word meaning a metamorphosis) of removing us from the larvae state of essential estrangement to the beautiful crystallization of relational harmony? From this metamorphosis of relational harmony we must make the conscientious decision to be “Light Bearers” and “Powerful Witnesses” to the restorative power of the Lord Jesus Christ bringing to pass the word of the Lord when it admonishes: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you”. Our failure to leave such rich legacies will be tantamount to an amalgamation of gross negligence and high treason. As our progeny continue to be born into this world, they must be met with a “Powerful Witness” that speaks of love, joy, hope, restoration, spiritual power, racial harmony, divine justice, faith as absolute concern, and peace that stabilizes in the midst of tumultuous times. We must administer to their burgeoning spirits a “Powerful Witness” that issues forth a testimony of unquenchable light in the midst of the vicissitudes of chaotic confusion and demoniacal darkness. This formulative process begins in the nascent moment when we receive the revelation that the value of our progeny’s hearts is priceless, soliciting a response from us of unwavering commitment to their wholeness and prosperity. This is what the Apostle John meant when he stated: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”. In the final analysis concerning this work of divine love, we must not be careless or frugal in our preparation of these legacies of redemption, for many of us are also recipients of these “Powerful Witnesses” handed forth to us by those who preceded us in this divine work. (Another Oil Point from Theology Nation)
Bishop Dr. Guy A. Cox