Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Interesting African Presence In The Bible

By Karen Parker


The word of God is meant for everyone in the world. This includes Africans who appear to have gods of their own, unique to every tribe. Preaching to Africans about God and considering their history of suffering makes one question the African presence in the bible. This would be a good point to begin because it gives them a chance to associate with the biblical teaching.

The Garden of Eden is where man was put upon creation. This makes it the source of human kind and the appointed place for human existence. The bible in Genesis places the garden at the intersection of 4 rivers that include Cush, Asshur and Havilah. These rivers according to historians are in Ethiopia. It also happens that archeologists have recently discovered the oldest human fossils in Ethiopia. This almost confirms the narrative of location of the Garden of Eden.

The Old Testament features persons who married women of African descent. Other had children with women who came from Africa. An example is Abraham who had children with both Hagar and Keturah. Both of them were Hermitic. Considering the stature of these men in the Christian faith and biblical stories, there is no denying that Africans hold a special place in biblical mythology.

Psalms also mentions two African nations of Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt is said to be the bearer of a prince while Ethiopia will turn to the Lord. The book of Psalms was written way before Jesus was born. This is a prediction of Jesus running to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod. As for Ethiopia, it is the recognition that the wise men gave to Jesus that signifies the turning to God. One of these men is said to have come from Ethiopia.

Egypt is mentioned extensively in both the old and new testaments, albeit as an oppressor. This is where Joseph ended up after being sold by his brothers. His brothers find him there while searching for food during a major drought. It took Moses and the 7 calamities to rescue Israelis. In fact, an oppressive state is still referred to as being in Egyptian bondage.

The New Testament introduces Africa through the flight of Mary and Joseph when Herod wanted to kill them. It is the angel of God who instructed them to run. The death of Jesus would have spelt doom to salvation. It is Africa that gave refuge to the Son of God.

Cyrene features in the history of Roman Empire because it produced oil, wool and corn. History has it that Cyrene was in Africa. This name is common because of Simon, a passerby who helped Jesus with his cross on the way to Golgotha. Considering that Rome traded with Cyrene and the people were known to be long distance marathoners, Simon definitely came from Africa.

When Jesus appeared to his disciples, he instructed them to go to all corners of the world. They ended up in Africa. Notable apostles are Simon who Acts 13, 1 and 2 refer to as Black One and Stephen. Such evidence makes Africa a central element of the story of salvation.




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