Millions of Christians all over Madgascar went to church this morning, after a week of looting, unrest and general insecurity to hear what the Word of the Lord has to say. Is the Bible, a book revered by many and ridiculed by even more still relvant today, or is it just an interesting historical document?
In the F.J.K.Mthe Sunday Scriptures are prepared in advance for the whole year. That means that all the FJKM congregations will read the same text each Sunday. They also have a monthly theme. For the month of February the theme is “Mitondra aina ny finoana”, that is: Faith brings life.
This morning at the chapel service here at the Ivato Theological college, RANAIVOSON Richard, one of our students, was the preacher. He asked very pertinent questions. Where is the life of the church at a time like this? And how is it being used?
Now is not the time, he said, to look for our own advantage, but now we have to share the life we have because of our faith. Now we must make an extra effort to lead people to Christ.
In Pauls first letter to Timothy we read:
1Ti 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people,
1Ti 2:2 even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
1Ti 2:3 Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior,
1Ti 2:4 since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
He says: Pray for the gorvernment so that you may lead a peaceful life. No he doesn’t.
Paul says: Pray for a government so that you may live in a peaceful society SO THAT you can live a life of godliness that will draw others to Christ, to salvation, faith and everlasting life!
We often think peace is imperative so that we can live nice, quiet and cushey lives. It is natural that we prefer peace to war. But how do we use the peace we have?
And the lack of peace does not excuse us of our duties either. In fact, unrest should, like Richard said this morning, spur us on so that we will do even more to bring faith and life to others.
I ask that you will pray for the Malagasy church. Pray that all of us will use any and every situation to share abouth the life we have because of our faith. Pray for the pastors and church leaders that they will seek God’s will and then obediently do what He commands.
Faith brings life. Jesus brings faith. SO lets go out and look for Jesus!
Filed under: Musings
