In the year 2012, Don Moen, a popular Christian songwriter and artist, released a song titled I Am The God That Healeth Thee. But what if that God is actually the God that Killeth us?
Before we get into that, did you know that the song by Don Moen could have been inspired by several passages from the scriptures? I would opine a particular verse, which is Exodus 15:26, to be the main inspiration for the song. But what does that have to do with anything?
Before we delve into the main topic of discussion, The God That Killeth Us, I crave your indulgence to tell you a story that will, however, be valuable for this discussion.
It Is Not About You
During my schooldays, there was a time when a particular teacher was to take us in ministration at the assembly. Of course, she did that, but there was something she said that took my attention.
She took a Bible, opened it, and read to us a passage, and I could remember in my own words that she told us when we read things like this, we should personalize them. That is, when we read a passage like Isaiah 60:1, where it says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee,” we should personalize it.
Actually, that is what many Christians seem to be doing all along, especially when the people addressed are the Israelites.
That’s why when you listen to the song, I Am The God That Healeth Thee, you would think that God was referring to you. So, you just have to assume that it’s you the passage is referring to, and that settles it. No! I beg to differ.
Previous Read: What If God Was A Woman?
The God That Killeth Us
In Exodus 15:26, God said to Israel, “…If you will diligently listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you.”
First of all, according to the narrative, the Yahweh that delivered the message seems to be appealing to another Yahweh, supposed to be the God of the Israelites, the one who inflicted the Egyptians with deadly diseases. Perhaps it is the same God addressing the people in such a manner, or it could be a messenger of that God addressed likewise.
So he assured them that their God would not inflict them with the diseases he inflicted on the Egyptians, on the condition that they listened to what Yahweh their God said and did what was pleasing to his eyes. Those could be realized in paying attention to his commandments and keeping all his statutes.
The essence of all that was to point out that their God, Yahweh, was the God who healed them. It would make more sense when you consider the pretext. It was about how their God turned a bitter water to a sweet taste. Or should I say how he made an undrinkable drinkable for them to quench their thirst? Right.
Prior to that, their God had destroyed the armies of the Egyptians along with Pharaoh, their king, a thing that could have been avoided if he had not practically hardened the king’s heart from time to time. And to think that the Israelites crossed a sea on dry land but never thought they would need some water. Well, it’s a good thing God, their healer, was also their great provider.
As the story continued, you would see how the same God went on to take out other groups of people who had conflict with those he called his people, showcasing how destructive and vengeful he was. To think the people he fought for were any better, no, I guess it’s grace.
At this point, I am identifying with everyone but Christians to point out how this God they think said he heals them, even though he wasn’t referring to them, is the same God that kills us because we know him not. Not to talk of those who die every day while hoping that he will heal them to no avail.
Yes, some Christians would think I’m in error for saying that, but all you have to do is look at what your fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord, pastors, and teachers are saying and doing. Listen to their preachings and prayer points, and if you don’t hear them calling your God to kill and bring destruction upon people they have negative impressions about or disagree with. Then, you think well.
Also, look at what your God said in Deuteronomy 32:39 KJV, “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.”
