Word from our Pastor

January 2021

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus’ name!

We have entered into a new year and some of us are glad that the year 2020 is over. While it is true that we had many unpleasant experiences and conditions we have also had our share of good that came out of slowing down. We could spend more time with our families, more time to think about our faith, our values and the transitory nature of our life on earth. Most of us have come out stronger for the stress and difficulties we have had. Through it all, we have experienced the immeasurable grace of God

There is the famous song written by Andraé Crouch entitled, “Through it All”, which speaks of all the tears and sorrows and questions and confusions that he encountered yet through it all he learnt to trust in Jesus and depend on His Word. Yes, some of us have had those “Through it All” experiences and have come out stronger.

More than three thousand years ago a man called Joshua was at the threshold of a new beginning. This was his first assignment as the new leader of Israel. He was stepping into the shoes of a giant of a personality in Moses. Perhaps he had his doubts and fears of the unknown. God knowing his state speaks to him.

Firstly, he gives him a promise to claim. It was a promise which reaffirmed the earlier promise given to Abraham, and then to Moses that he will give him the land. That every place he goes he will give it to him. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. (Jos 1:3) He promises success in his new mission.

Similarly we too have God’s promises as we face the New Year. That this New Year will be ours as per his promise in Christ Jesus. For every promise is yes and amen in Christ. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. (2Co 1:20)

God gives a promise to claim

Secondly, he gives him the condition to enjoy the promise. All the promises in the Bible have a condition or a responsibility that goes along with it.

The condition was obedience to the word of God; he was to let God’s word influence his thinking and his behaviour and he should not deviate from it. Nor should he modify the word of God to suit him. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Jos 1:7-8) God wanted total and unconditional obedience to his word. Because in obedience to God is our welfare. There is safety and security in following God’s law. As we follow his word and make it our standard then we can navigate through the New Year. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. (Psa 119:105)

God gives the condition to enjoy the promise

Thirdly, God gives Assurance of his Presence to Joshua. As Joshua faced the unknown strong enemy, as he faced possible failures, possible betrayals from the people he was leading, God gives him the assurance of his presence. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Jos 1:9)

God gives Assurance of his Presence

As we face the year 2021, there are rumblings of a new strain of the Covid virus, there are signs that the economy may not recover soon. There seems to be unrest all over the world. Yet there is hope as well.

Let us trust the claim the promises of God, take responsibility to walk according to his ways and obey the word of God and enjoy the presence of God as we walk into the New Year. Walk with hope and confidence like Joshua walked into the Promised Land.