The Tribune

By Pastor Mathew Allen

Echoing throughout the Bahamas is an erroneous saying - “The voice of the people, is the voice of God”. It has gained strength and support amongst prominent religious leaders, who can be heard ignorantly making the claim for the masses, who quickly digest and run with it.

To further add insult to injury this saying has been methodically tied to politics and its outcome.

Let me say, as I have consistently stated, I do not ascribe to politics; I am not a PLP, FNM, or DNA. I am a proud patriotic Bahamian that loves his country and a faithful servant of the Most High God ('elyown, el-yone').

Since the PLP is the majority in government, as a pastor it is my duty to pray for the success of every duly lawfully elected member of the government.

Yet, as a people we cannot be this spiritually dead or naïve to swallow this erroneous saying, “the voice of the people, is the voice of God”, just because the PLP won the general election.

The bible and the holy spirit serves as god’s voice to his people, and not a bunch of liquored up, party hardy, politically motivated folks.

Life is about choices. God has given mankind the ability to choose.

Here is what the word of God says in Deuteronomy 30: 9: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

Whenever a leader ascribes to the notion that “the voice of the people, is the voice of God” this clearly indicates that such a leader will freely follow any sounding good voice that produces their expected result.

In speaking about the sheepfold knowing the father’s voice, Yahshua Messiah told a parable in John 10:1.

“ Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

:2. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

:3. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

:4. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

:5. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Knowing the voice of God is the most precious gem in the life of mankind, and to be mislead and deceived by another voice or voices could prove to have deadly consequences both spiritually and physically.

The voice of the people at work in Exodus 32:1.

“And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.”

It is reckless and down right irresponsible to declare the fact that the majority might overwhelming come to a decision as the voice of God. Yes, God will give a leader a directive for a people, but as it relates to a political general election, God gave the people free will to choose.

Here is another example of the people’s voice in Luke 23: 13.

“And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

:14. Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

:15. No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

:16. I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

:17. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

:18. And they cried out all at once, saying, away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

:19. (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

:20. Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

:21. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

In this day and time, it is of the utmost importance that we who name the name of Messiah (Christ) have a genuine working knowledge and revelation of the voice of God, and not be led astray by familiar voices.

For question or comments contact pastormallen@yahoo.com or 242-441-2023.