8. Have You Cursed Your Government?

For obvious reasons, there is relatively little published by The Westminster Tradition against the state. Elijah Chacko and many of his core disciples are citizens of a country in which the government has not historically welcomed criticism (Singapore). Therefore, in order not to attract attention from the police and intelligence services, political opinions are kept behind closed doors. This is not to imply that Elijah does not have political opinions. He has plenty, and expects those in his ministry to adopt them. His ‘state of the world’ addresses (usually the first conference address) are often more political than theological. I have personally heard enough to have been left in no doubt about his animosity toward Lee Kuan Yew (former Prime Minister of Singapore), Narendra Modi (current Prime Minister of India), Najib Razak (former Prime Minister of Malaysia) and even the Queen of England, Elizabeth II. It is not for me to police another person’s politics, but it is for me to cry against Elijah’s tendency to dishonour, despise, disobey and call down curses upon authorities, as well as encouraging others to do likewise. Scripture is so plain about the damnation that awaits those who resist the higher powers:

‘Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (Rom 13:1-2).’

It is also clear that whatever we think about a ruler’s character, their politics, their religion and even their immorality, we are to pray FOR (and not AGAINST) kings, and FOR all that are in authority:

‘I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:1-4).’

There are many occasions when Elijah has mocked and berated members of his ministry for “polishing Caesar’s backside,” by which he means working hard to please the civil authorities. Is this not precisely what Jesus’ followers should be known for? Paul exhorted Titus to put those members of the Cretan churches ‘in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men (Tit 3:1-2).’ Paul also guided the Corinthian converts not to leave their former occupations and stations in life. He spelt it out clearly: “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called (1 Cor 7:20,24).” When Paul writes to the Philippian church from Rome, he communicates the fact that ‘all the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household (Phil 4:22).’ These are not they who had come out from Caesar’s household, but they are of Caesar’s household. Elijah would have had them cut off and practice biblical separation. Paul did not despise authority. He practiced what he preached, for we find Paul meek and submissive to the authorities of his time. He spoke respectfully to Felix, Festus and Agrippa (Acts 24-26). The only authority to whom Paul spoke disrespectfully was Ananias, the high priest. Paul, provoked by having been unlawfully struck said, “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall (Acts 23:3a).” Paul professed to having been unaware who he had been speaking to, for when they that stood by said, “Revilest thou God’s high priest?”, Paul replied, “I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people (Acts 23:3-5).” He was quoting Exodus 22:28, in which it is written, ‘Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.’ That is precisely what Elijah teaches his disciples to do – to violently imprecate against and curse the rulers of their people!

It is Jesuitic for a person to apply for citizenship from a country they abhor and hope that God will destroy! Such a person deserves to be tried for treason! But there are some within Elijah’s ministry who do precisely that. I know of one who was tutored under Elijah Chacko who is applying for citizenship within the UK but who styles that country his “shit Babylon” – the land of his extradition. The same swore, “I swear … if there is a second referendum … I WILL now vote REMAIN to expedite the curse, wrath and judgment upon this retarded nation.” He abhors the queen and has often prayed that God would judge her. How then can he with good conscience ever swear his oath of allegiance, ‘I …. swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law.‘ In citizenship ceremonies, a pledge must also be made: ‘I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.‘ I question how honest others within The Westminster Tradition were when they became citizens of the USA and Australia and made their respective oaths? Even if such a privileged citizenship were a spiritual captivity of sorts, there is still no excuse when God’s Word is so clear as to the respect and honour we should render our rulers. Mordecai was an exemplary citizen. He thwarted an assassination plot against Ahasuerus… not for personal gain, for his deed was chronicled but quickly forgotten. When the Jews went into captivity to Babylon itself, God spoke through His servant Jeremiah, instructing them to ‘seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace (Jer 29:7).’ Scripture does not lack examples of godly men who served their heathen lords faithfully e.g. Joseph, Daniel (who distinguished himself in his service of Nebuchadnezzar), Mordecai, Esther and Nehemiah (who was the king’s trusted cup-bearer).

It is also common practice within The Westminster Tradition to lie to and deceive the authorities. When children are kept back from school for purposes related to Westminster Tradition activities, their teachers are told they are sick (well, they have a tiny sniffle), or that their father is dying (in his sins) – indeed, all manner of deceptions are employed which would make even an unbeliever blush! This differs little from the doctrine of mental reservation which the Jesuits have so artfully employed – a form of deception which is not an outright lie. The prevailing attitude seems to be that we do not need to speak the truth to the godless and unbelieving. Such deceptions and half-truths characterise Elijah’s life and ministry. The Jesuits argue that the end justifies the means. Those who follow Elijah Chacko do much the same.

The Bible so plainly warns us against despising the legitimate powers God has put over us:

‘The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government [i.e. these are the unjust and those who will be punished on the day of judgment]. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord (2 Pet 2:9-11).’

‘Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves (Jude 9-10).’

Elijah despises virtually every legitimate authority that God has ordained (kings, ministers, teachers, parents, husbands). Yet he will not suffer any to question his OWN arbitrary and despotic authority. Peter exhorts us to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well (1 Pet 2:13-14). It is often the opposite in The Westminster Tradition. A brother in the Himalayas was advised by one of Elijah’s missionaries to “rob Caesar’s time to give to Christ (TJT 28 March AD 2014).” Or in Elijah’s own words, “sometimes Caesar tries to take what isn’t his so we have to rob him and give it back to Christ” (Naigaon Responses 3rd May 2014). Those within The Westminster Tradition are brought by Elijah Chacko to view their secular jobs as meaningless – a mere rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. This view rejects the principle that in serving our masters according to the flesh, we are serving the Lord Christ:

‘Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Col 3:22-24).’

Elijah has so corrupted the minds of many that they become disengaged. They despise and dread their secular work. One of many examples is shown here: ‘When I am doing office work at the computer, I dread serving Caesar. I feel happy when I am at the computer typing or editing vespers… Whenever I am serving Caesar, I find myself saying to the Lord, ‘Lord, Thou know my heart is not here. Thou know where my heart is.’ Pastor and brethren, please pray for me, that God will grant me grace and strength to serve Him and also deliver me from my pharaohs and Caesars to serve Him’ (TJT 7 May AD 2011). The author of this letter is convinced that the only way to serve the Lord Christ is to serve Elijah. By day many womenfolk particularly labour to feed their families and by night they serve Elijah Chacko. Consider the following extract from TJT 14th June 2014:

• Elijah Chacko: Are you remnant escaping for a breather? Or are you stuck in your bondage serving the vanities of the princes of this world? Do you not long for a little space for a nail in the holy place in your bondage? (presiding pastor’s text to some when he felt he was overwhelmed with the flux and the burden of the work, moreover barely any of the brethren were around to help, all found serving the Caesars of the day).
• Job Samyrajoo: Pastor, thanks for your solemn words to instill in us the yearning to come to the holy place even in our bondage.
• Adaiah Wong: I am leaving ‘Patmos island’ now, pastor. Truly, it is to the confounding of my face that I am so encumbered in serving this world. Desire to have a golden heart like that of Nehemiah of old to remember the desolation of Jerusalem in Shushan palace. Will be back at about 6.15pm. Shalom pastor.
• Julia Low: Yes pastor, we are escaping now! This whole week is draining. I have been struggling with sleep while working for Caesar and enduring her long-windedness because I need energy for night service to Christ.
• Elijah Chacko: So you are on a night shift at His Majesty’s service whil you are on the day shift for the vain princes of this world?
• Jael Chia: Thank you, pastor, I am now coming back. It is so refreshing to hear you on the line just now; it brought sanity to my mind. I was really vexed by the conversation around me. I am escaping now or a breather, that I may have a nail in the holy city!
• Rebekah Swee: Dear pastor, thank you for thy timely reminder that having tasted the great mercy of God, I should not remain in the bondage! O God be merciful to spare me and deliver me fully from serving the world that I may serve Christ, His servant and His cause! Beseech for thy prayer, even the prayer of the Ezra of our times! Thank you pastor and Shalom.
• Zechariah Tan: Yes pastor, I want to be of the remnant escaping for a breather rather than be stuck serving the vanities of the princes of this world. I long for a little space for a nail in the holy place in our bondage. I am coming home now. Thank you for your timely and necessary reminder.