Year Theme: Equipped to Equip
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2Tim 2:1-2)
You are warmly welcome to Kakumba Chapel. Happy New Year!
In the last year we listened to God saying ‘Abide’, and particularly walked with Ruth as she clung and found a place among the people of God. The theme this year is a call sustainable discipleship. It is action that is part of the major response to the question that Micah brings to us in his sixth chapter is worth giving attention. This question matters, lest we waste time misfiring and going astray. Before you start the marathon, you need to clearly know the track map, know the way and the rules of the race. You may have drawn many plans, but to stop and ask Micah’s question could help refocus your plans to achieve much more and for longer lasting benefit. The question is: What does the Lord require? What does the Lord require of you?
We ended the year 2015 commemorating the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign … with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.’ Looking back at the governments in the days of Isaiah and Micah left us convinced that the promise of a better reign – one of justice and righteousness – must have been received with great enthusiasm and eagerness. There was great need for just governance internally as well as liberation and protection from external threats. Our times are not very different; we need the Messiah.
Ample time will be allowed to explore the subject of sustainable discipleship. However, suffice for today to ask the prophet Micah’s question in this expanded context: what does the Lord require in terms of spreading the Gospel? And what does the Lord require in terms of faithful stewardship in the marketplace? Just like the teacher whose job has metamorphosed, many workplaces and government agencies are now spoiled for choice when it comes to technical expertise; what they seek in the prospective employee are cross-cutting issues, and most importantly, integrity. Integrity and the need therefore have caused the overhauling of entire government authorities in the recent past. Today’s Engineer, Doctor, Lawyer, Businessman, Accountant – every professional and every worker and every leader – listening to the question ‘what does the LORD require’, is called to doing what the Lord requires and passing these principles and actions to reliable people that will continue growing these institutions and areas of work for the welfare of God’s people and the glory of God.
God bless you all.