Fruitful Living
Letters from God: be faithful unto death (Part 2)
With such a fertile ground for prosperity, none of the inhabitants of Smyrna should have been poor. The people were no doubt business-minded and should have benefitted from their fair share of foreign investment in their economy.
And many did. But sadly, the church members in Smyrna were poor. And that was not even the only problem they had.
As described in the letter to them by the “One who sees and knows all,” they were also afflicted in other ways. Their Christian business practices stood out against the capitalism and materialism that characterised the commercial transactions of the town.
The simplicity of the church contrasted sharply with the extravagance of the dance theatres and fashion houses. And their godliness was a silent rebuke to the worldliness evident on the streets, in homes, classrooms, business, political, and religious centres.
As a result, they incurred derision, wrath, malice, and jealousy in good measure. Their best intentions were given the worst interpretation, and their comportment, speech, and conduct were subject to sanctions and harsh sentencing.
Everywhere they went, they were sorely afflicted by their neighbours, unbelieving relatives, city council officials, business partners, customers, and even strangers.
They were also slandered and maligned by those who should have been the ones to receive and protect them – the Jews – the ones to whom the charge had first been given: “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19.
They were the ones who should have defended them. But no! Instead, these Jews were their chief slanderers and persecutors.
At the time of sending this letter, the accurate description of how Christians talked, walked, dressed, what they ate, believed, and preached had spread far and wide. It had led to the conversion of many, as well as to the affliction of many.
The church in Smyrna had an unfair amount of the latter than the former, and the God who knows all things sent this message to them: “I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” – verse 9
THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA
As much as the church in Smyrna loved the Lord, and as much as they had tried to obey Him faithfully and lovingly in all their ways, they had been afflicted by the viruses of persecution, poverty, and slander.
The Master Physician knew that without His divine touch, it was only a matter of time before they would succumb to the ravaging effect of these virulent viruses and give up their faith.
Earlier, when Jesus walked on earth, He had taught the multitude on the mountain top: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3. He knew that after His death, the spirit of many believers would be crushed.
Surrounded by prosperity and plenty, Jesus knew that many would be impoverished by being ostracised. He knew that the faith of many would be sorely tried and they would be at risk of giving up.
But the Alpha and Omega has already made provision for the eternal reward of those thus afflicted. And so, He gave the assurance to the church in Smyrna: “I know…”
God who sees everything, assured them that their sickness was not due to any fault of theirs. It was the result of external forces because of their faith in Him.
God doesn’t just see our sufferings, but He experiences them with us. Hence, He knows exactly what we are going through and those who are responsible for it.
And just as He described the pain the Smyrna church was experiencing to them with the introduction “I know” and those who were behind their pain, so He sees and knows all that we go through today.
He knows those tormenting us and invites us to take His prescription to soothe our pain.
While waiting to share the rest of the article with you, I invite you to meditate on the beautiful hymn entitled “The Church’s One Foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord” authored by Samuel John Stone – (1839 – 1900).
1. The Church’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord?
She is His new creation
By water and the word:
From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride:
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.
2. Elect from every nation,
Yet one o’er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation
One Lord, one faith, one birth,
One holy name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endued.
5. Yet she on earth hath union
With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly,
On high may dwell with Thee.
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0243588467 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail. com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
By Dr. Joyce Aryee, the author
Features
Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives
The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Ghana has launched the Senior High Schools and Colleges Project (SCP) aimed at empowering and transforming the lives of young people.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Mike Ocquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, emphasised the need to catch them young and train them as the current times were challenging.
He lauded the project, calling on all to support it, saying “In fact, it’s very important to catch them young, train them, lead them, guide them, and mentor them because the times are indeed rough,” Prof. Ocquaye said.
Mr Ekow Egyir Dadson, the Director, Schools and Colleges Directorate, stated that since its inception in 2018, the SCP had reached over 70 educational institutions with countless testimonies of transformation.
“We began with the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) Legon, and now in 2024, we have visited 74 schools and impacted the lives of over 100,000 students, some of whom were personally mentored and now have graduated from the universities.”
He explained that the SCP, a vision by FGBMFI Ghana, was a bold outreach programme designed to call young people to Christ, train and equip them for the future.
He cited testimony-sharing, mentorship, career guidance, entrepreneurship and counseling as some of the unique approaches to be used in reaching out to the targeted students.
Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama, the National President of the FGBMFI Ghana, launched the SCP Manual, which would help the FGBMFI Zonal Family Chapters across Ghana in order to adopt schools and colleges within their catchment areas.
The Schools and Colleges project is making a great impact; we have had first-hand testimonies from school heads, teachers, and students (mentees) about the SCP. This project has come to stay, Mr Baba Mahama assured.
He, therefore, called for more volunteers and partners to help the SCP shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.
Findings by the FGBMFI revealed that Ghana’s senior high schools, colleges, and university students face growing challenges like addictions, indiscipline, poor academic performance, pornography, homosexuality, broken homes, and a lack of godly guidance.
That had been a concern to many parents and society, “but the FGBMFI believes there is hope to rescue and restore these young students,” Mr Mahama said. –GNA
Features
Divorce in Islam
In another instance, the Prophet (PBUH) recommended arbitration and family intervention in cases of marital disputes.
“If you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them” (Qur’an 4:35).
This Quranic text emphasises the importance of seeking reconciliation through family and community support.
Conditions and Rules of Divorce in Islam
Islam sets forth conditions and rules to ensure that divorce is handled responsibly:
Clear Intention: The decision to divorce must be made with a clear mind and sincere intention, free from anger or impulsivity.
The Waiting Period (Iddah): After pronouncing divorce, the wife must observe an iddah period, during which the husband can take her back if both agree. The iddah period is three menstrual cycles for a non-pregnant woman or until childbirth if she is pregnant.
Revocable and Irrevocable Divorce:
Revocable Divorce (Talaq-e-Raj’i): The husband can take back his wife within the iddah period if reconciliation is achieved.
Irrevocable Divorce (Talaq-e-Ba’in): After the third talaq, the divorce is final, and reconciliation is only possible through a new marriage contract if both agree.
Respect and Dignity: Islam commands respect and fairness during divorce proceedings, ensuring that both parties maintain dignity. Allah (SWT) advises:
“And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them—perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good” (Qur’an 4:19).
This verse encourages respect, even if differences arise.
Rights to Seek Divorce by the Husband or Wife
Islam grants both spouses the right to seek divorce, although their procedures differ.
Rights of the Husband (Talaq): A husband has the right to initiate talaq, following Islamic procedures. He must observe fairness, fulfill his wife’s rights, and provide any outstanding mahr or iddah maintenance.
Rights of the Wife (Khula): A wife can seek divorce through khula, which involves returning part or all of her mahr to end the marriage. The Prophet (PBUH) permitted khula for the wife of Thabit ibn Qays (RA) when she requested separation.
“Then if you fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself” (Qur’an 2:229).
Reasons for a divorce by both parties
In order to divorce a wife, a husband may not necessarily have to give a reason. However, in the case of a woman, she may initiate a Khula (Separation) for three reasons; her husband’s in ability to consummate the marriage, his failure to provide for her upkeep, and if the woman was married as a child or without her consent she can repudiate her husband when she reaches puberty (Mucai-Kattambo et al. 1995). In addition a woman can apply for a khula if she persistently faces domestic violent.
Divorce Under Legal Regimes: The Mohammedan Ordinance CAP 129
In Ghana, the Mohammedan Ordinance CAP 129 regulates Islamic marriages and divorces. It provides a formal legal framework for Muslims to marry, divorce, and remarry in line with Sharia principles. This ensures that divorce proceedings, rights, and responsibilities are recognized by law, protecting both parties’ rights according to Islamic teachings.
Remedies for a Wrongful Divorce
Reconciliation: Islam encourages reconciliation if a divorce was issued hastily. The Prophet (PBUH) often advised families to mediate, promoting forgiveness and mutual understanding.
Financial and Social Support: If a husband neglects his wife’s rights upon divorce, she can claim compensation, unpaid mahr, and iddah maintenance. Islam emphasises justice and fairness for divorced women to ensure they are not left destitute.
Community Support: The Muslim community is encouraged to provide support for divorced individuals, allowing them to reintegrate with dignity and support, upholding Islamic principles of compassion.
EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN
One significant concern is the impact of divorce on children. Patel et al. (2008) in “The Harm of Talaq” note that children from broken homes face higher risks of emotional distress, academic challenges, and social instability. Parents must consider these effects when making decisions, ensuring the wellbeing of their children.
More precisely, children from broken homes are more likely to have poorer health; to do worse in madrassas and schools; less likely to attend the massajid; become hufaz and Islamic scholars; more likely to commit crime, to smoke and take drugs; to be unemployed and to die earlier than children who live with married parents. By divorcing parents have let loose a vicious cycle. Their children are more likely to repeat the cycle of unstable parenting which they had experienced and suffered (Patel et al., 2008).
In conclusion, divorce in Islam is a compassionate solution, regulated to ensure justice and respect. While it is permitted, it is only to be used as a last resort, with the utmost care and fairness. Islam emphasizes kindness, patience, and thoughtful reconciliation to resolve marital issues before resorting to divorce.
May Allah (SWT) guide us to act with wisdom and justice in our relationships and protect our families with love and mercy. Ameen.
References:
• Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:229, 2:230, 2:231, 2:232, 2:236, 2:237), Surah An-Nisa (4:19, 4:35), Surah At-Talaq (65:4)
• Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud (2178), Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
• Mohammedan Ordinance CAP 129
• Patel, A. A. et al., 2008), Blessings of Marriage (Harm of Talaq {Divorce), Page 278.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1BN Michel Camp, Tema
