By Mahmoud Borboh Kargbo-BTK
In every generation, Providence raises a man, scorned by his peers, misunderstood by his brethren, yet destined to shape the course of history. His path is not smooth; it is paved with trials, betrayal, and rejection. But like gold refined in fire, he emerges stronger and better. In our time, as Sierra Leone stands at the crossroads of its political rebirth, one cannot ignore the striking parallels between the biblical Joseph and Dr Ibrahim Bangura, a flagbearer aspirant for the All Peoples Congress. This is no mere comparison, it is an allegory of divine timing, purpose, and vindication.
The biblical account of Joseph serves as a quintessential exemplar of the triumph of divine providence over adversity, which is evident in Dr Ibrahim Bangura, flagbearer aspirant for the All Peoples Congress. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, is ostracized by his siblings due to his favored status. The brothers’ animosity towards Joseph is palpable, culminating in their decision to sell him into slavery.
The Dialectics of Hate and Divine Providence
Despite being subjected to intense negativity, including hatred, name-calling, and exploitation, Joseph’s circumstances are ultimately transformed by divine intervention. The biblical narrative underscores the notion that God’s providence can transmute seemingly calamitous events into opportunities for growth and ascension. As the Psalmist attests, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.”
The story of Joseph and that of Dr Bangura’s flagbearer aspirations are often seen as an archetype for the biblical motif of the “stone which the builders rejected,” wherein the ostensibly rejected individual becomes the cornerstone of a greater edifice. This is echoed in Psalm 118:22-23, which states, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” This theological trope underscores the idea that divine providence can elevate the marginalized or rejected to positions of prominence.
In a contemporary context, the narrative of Joseph serves as a powerful allegory in the case of DIB, who may face negative propaganda or be subject to calumny. Notwithstanding such challenges, DIB’s objectives remain unequivocal, and his goal to Heal, Unite, Build the APC, and Sierra Leone is justified.
As Apostle Paul writes, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This Pauline theology underscores the notion that divine providence is operative even in the midst of adversity.
Therefore, the story of Joseph serves as a paradigmatic example of the triumph of divine providence over adversity, underscoring the notion that God’s purposes can be fulfilled even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenge. Dr Ibrahim Bangura is that allegory in the case of Joseph.
