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The quandary of Prophet Nathan
Recently I have been compelled to reflect on the issue of Prophet Nathan and the assignment given to him by God to rebuke and declare God’s intention towards David, for taking someone’s wife and murdering him.
There are times in a man’s life that you need to either choose to obey God or behave like Jonah who disobeyed God. Depending on the consequences of obeying the instructions of God, in terms of either what you stand to lose, or the wrath you may incur from certain personalities, you may choose not to do the right thing.
Deciding to do the right thing, which means obeying God, who is the embodiment of all that is right, can be very tricky at times, due to the impact it may have on relations between yourself and others, or on your loved ones.
In some instances, you take into consideration the danger you may be exposed to and you are tempted to say to yourself, “Am I the only person who has been called to do the right thing”?
Nathan was a Prophet of God as recorded in the Bible, in the time of King David, according to 2 Samuel chapter 12. The story has it that, in the days when Kings went to war to acquire territories, King David decided to relax in his palace. As he was walking around the palace at the roof top, he saw a beautiful woman having her bath.
I am tempted to believe that she was a young lady so the protrusions in her chest area, indeed was a sight to behold; the men would understand what I am saying. The King, instead of taking his eyes off quickly, rather gazed at her naked body and was therefore mesmerised by what he saw and succumbed to lust.
He sent for her and committed adultery and when he was informed a few weeks later by the lady that she was pregnant, hatched an evil plan and got the husband killed. God being a just God by nature, was very angry and therefore sent Prophet Nathan to declare to David that what he had planned to do to David, as punishment for his evil deeds.
The dilemma for Nathan, the prophet of God was how to deliver such an unpleasant message to King of all Israel, who had the power to kill and to keep alive because such was the authority of Kings at the time. If he chose to obey God, there could be serious consequences not only for him but could even extend to his family.
On the other hand, if he decided to do a Jonah, he faces another potential consequences so what was he to do? Someone I know told me about a dilemma she faced when she accidentally discovered that her friend’s husband, had a separate secret family. She was shocked when she saw the secret wife and her two children with the man.
Was she to tell the friend of what she had discovered as a good friend should do and is also the right thing to do or keep quiet and condone the wrong thing fearing the consequences of divorce and associated issues that she had destroyed her friend’s marriage?
Most people are confronted with such situations which I term the quandary of Nathan in various aspects of our lives, whether at the workplace, churches, clubs, schools, etc. Instead of gathering the courage to do the right thing, we tend to fear what the society might perceive us to be or the possible backlash, instead of doing that which is right and pleases God.
Let us choose to be like Prophet Nathan who chose to do the right thing and please God so we receive blessings from God and also avoid living with a guilty conscience. It is dangerous to live with a guilty conscience. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
