TODAY IS PASSOVER
Of late there has been a
lot of messaging both secular and religious as a result of death and
devastation caused by Corona virus. Corona is a harbinger of death, but Jesus came so that you may have life, and have it in
abundance.
Passover is the story of
redemption of Israel from slavery in Egypt. For Christians, it is the story of
redemption from sin by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The Passover Seder
is celebrated in Israel by eating roasted lamb, unleavened bread and bitter
herb; Jesus changed it into the Lord’s supper for Christians. This was
celebrated in the early church by breaking bread from house to house. The
result of shared meal and resources was that no one was hungry or had need for
anything because in the house churches, all the needs of the poor were taken
care of. (Acts 2:46,47; 4:34,35; 20:35)
While
many Christians are busy organising digital churches with the priest preaching
to empty benches, it is time for all Christians to demonstrate Kingdom values
by opening their churches as distribution centres for take away food (cooked or
uncooked) to avoid crowding, medicines, soap, masks, old clothes, old school
uniforms and books, blankets and sheets, towels, kitchen utensils, shoes, socks,
sandals, old bicycles etc. In fact, anything lying around and not being used, that
might be useful for others. If this is not a local problem, then you could send
it to those who are handling Covid19 or migrant workers.
Teams could include
health workers to give advice, and teachers to advice on how to do home
schooling and of course, the Gospel must be preached.
For this, you must take
permission from the appropriate authorities and take due precautions, including
wearing masks and social distancing etc.
This would prove that our
churches, schools and hospitals are holistic, not just religious centers. Taking
care of physical, mental and spiritual needs of the needy, by witnessing and
practical support. Needless to say, this will rapidly advance the Kingdom of
God on planet earth, as it did in the first century.
Jesus said, “The thief / Satan (Corona) comes only to steal, kill and destroy. But I have come that you
may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10)
Shalom,
V.
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