THE CHURCH AND THE CHILD

We live in perilous times. There is so much wickedness in the world and even children are not spared. Child kidnapping, child trafficking, child abuse, child malnutrition, child abandonment are some of the evils being done to the child today. As we watch the news, we weep, we cry out in consternation, and then we wonder, "How can we protect kids from such evils?" Nothing is more terrifying than the realization that we cannot protect them from life. 

“Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." (Matt. 19:14)

The plight of the child must become a preoccupation of the church. The church must take the lead in advocating the course of children in the society. Unlike the disciples of Jesus who thought children were not important and shooed them away, we must, #love them, embrace them, give them the utmost attention and nurture them for a solid future. 

Children are our future. Without children, humanity will go into oblivion. While we cannot hide our children away from the world, we can be proactive in guarding them lovingly.  We can shield them in far greater ways, as God has given us the opportunity as ones who play oversight roles over them.

First, we must acknowledge that as parents and guardians, it is our most sacred obligation to introduce our children to Christ right from infancy. Jesus said to His disciples, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” We hinder children from coming to Jesus when we think they are too small to be introduced to Him. Paul spoke of Timothy, who from infancy have known the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim 3:15). Lois Timothy’s grandmother was said to have given the young lad a foundation in faith. No wonder he turned out to be a great kid. If we are going to be part of raising a greater generation, we must never overlook the imperative of introducing children to Christ.

Second, we have a duty to nurture them. Nurturing has to do with influence. Because of the impressionable nature of kids they need to be exposed to the right kind of influence. We are positioned to be models of positive influence to our children or younger ones. Unfortunately today children are abandoned to damaging influences, because many of us don’t just care. We are too engrossed in ourselves, minding our own thing. No time for the kids. “They are a nuisance.” That was what the disciples thought; “Jesus wouldn’t have the time for them. He’s got more important things to do than to cater to children affairs.” How wrong they were. Jesus was cross with them and they got a tutorial of their life on how significant the kids were to the Master: “for the kingdom of God belong to such as these”. The nurture of the children is at the center of God’s heart. It is vital to His kingdom. Nurturing requires that we create quality time with them, be more attentive to them, be deliberate, and be strategic in nurturing them. 

It is important we groom our wards around strong values of devotion to God, commitment to family, the pride of integrity and hard work, regard for fellow human beings, sense of responsibility and self-application as they discover and deploy their innate faculties. We must teach children to seize their future by taking responsibility for their actions. We must help them appreciate how the choices they make now affect their future. We must discourage the tendency for immediate gratification and help to pattern their lives in investing in their future. To do this, they must carve a life mission for themselves, cultivate principles that align with such life mission and goad them to discover their potential and uniqueness and build relationships as well as maximize opportunities that will help them attain their desired future. 

There’s no mathematical formula for safeguarding our children from the social ills that put them at risk. However, the idea is not to get jittery, just like many who become overprotective of their children out of fear or anxiety. In bringing up children, we must learn to be totally dependent on the grace of God. God wants us to be childlike, but not childish, in trusting Him to guide us in the path of nurturing our children aright.

Entitlementality

An entitlement mentality is a state of mind in which an individual believes he deserves certain privileges — and he's arrogant about it. Entitlement creates an inward self-focused, self-centered person. It reeks of a feeling of self-importance, rights, and benefits that we think we deserve. Unfortunately, this mindset has surreptitiously and steadily crept into the minds of so many in the church.

 

Some church people have a strong entitlement mentality. They see the church as a place largely to meet their needs, desires and peculiar aspirations. Some members think the church must commit to their welfare or felt needs, just because they are card-carrying members, or they’ve been around for some time. Some church workers would go any length to claim certain benefits that in their mind should be attached to the service they offer in church. Church leaders assume they should be given some kind of special treatment because of their position, title or social status. If those needs and desires are not met, or the expectations they have about what they think they are entitled to, are not met, they become critical of church leadership. According to Thom Rainer, for a number of unfounded reasons, we have turned church membership into country club membership. You pay your dues and you are entitled to certain benefits.

 

Many of us have entitlement mentality ingrained in our consciousness. It oozes out of our subconscious. It is expressed in our uncanny lust for power and control; in the artful and sometimes obnoxious way we jockey for titles and positions; in our ambitions for prominence; in the way we patronize leadership to gain an advantage in asserting ourselves over others and to advance our personal agendas. Many of us often feel that our giftedness, our leadership positions, our social (financial) status or reputation, our assumed closeness to the ‘corridors of power’ give us some sort of free hand in taking some liberties in the church. Some pastors and leaders enter the ministry with mistaken expectations. They either forget or are unaware that the ministry is an act of service, not a platform for acting out a truncated notion of personal gifting or calling. When these expectations collude with the imperatives of the church leadership, they develop a critical spirit, out of a bruised ego, because their sense of entitlement has not been gratified. They get infected with the Diotrephes Syndrome (3 John 1:9-10), as they become contentious, undermining the authority of leadership and abusing their privileges.

 

One thing must be clear, there is no place in the church for a self-serving attitude. We seem to forget that we have this ministry through the mercy of God (2 Cor. 4:1), and therefore, we are what we are by the grace of God (1Cor. 15:10). It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God (2 Cor. 3:5). We let our little accomplishments get into our heads so quickly. Paul said, “What is so special about you? What do you have that you were not given? And if it was given to you, how can you brag?” (1 Cor. 4:7, CEV) Lifeway puts it this way, “Don’t get too big for your britches. Nothing you do is that special. You’re not better than anyone.” Exactly the point, if you look closely around, you’ll see people who have done greater exploits for the advancement of God’s kingdom, and they’ve not become swollen-headed. They are not even thinking about it, not to talk of talking about it.

 

If there’s anyone who should have a sense of entitlement, it should be Christ. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross (Phil 2:6-8, NLT). The essential character of Jesus’ servanthood as expressed in the text was the ‘emptying’ of self. For Jesus, this involved putting aside his divine status and prerogative and embracing suffering and pain, ultimately letting go of life itself. This ‘emptying’ is not just a call to humility as some suppose. It is a call to shun self-ambition, prominence and even reputation. For Jesus, it meant divesting himself of all his entitlements — rights, privileges, benefits, and expectations. The bottom-line, here, is that we must have the same attitude that Christ had (Phil 2:5) — we drop our entitlement mentality and pick up the servant attitude, for the cause of the Kingdom.

THE HAMAN SYNDROME

Haman became the victim of his own plot. He was swallowed up by his arrogance, anger, and hate, and by his vengeful quest. He felt slighted by Mordecai and would go to any length to teach the ‘Jewish nobody’ a bitter lesson, even to the extent of hanging him and exterminating the entire Jewish race throughout the Persian kingdom (Esther 3:8-9; 5:14), for not acknowledging his exalted position and for refusing to cringe and crouch before him (3:5). The conspiracy of Haman failed flatly as the table turned against him. God used Mordecai and Esther to thwart his evil plan. True to the premonition of his wife and advisers (Esther 6:13), Haman’s world came crashing down, like a pack of cards, right before those he had conspired against. 

Often times, we let our inordinate passions get the best of us. In our anger and pride, we plot against others. We seek their downfall. We are gratified, by the inclination to malign others, perhaps, because we have been hurt and our ego bruised. We must be cautious about how we choose to react in situations of aggravation. Watch it, when you are being sucked into that bitter path. Watch it, when you are motivated to get even, to conspire against another, to frustrate someone’s plan— who you can’t stand his or her guts. Watch it, when you have the tendency to slander and defame those you feel have not respected or recognized you enough, when you are riled up and bursting with animosity against someone who has wronged you; when you scheme to concoct mischief and put another at a disadvantage. Watch it, when you use your position of advantage over others, to work against them and walk over them. Watch it, because there are consequences— what sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so (Micah 2:1).

Do not go in the way of Haman, who was blinded by his conceit, ego, arrogance, anger, and hate. God expressly warns: “Don't even think of doing evil to each other. Don't enjoy false testimony. I hate all these things, declares the LORD” (Zechariah 8:17, GW). Remember, we have a new commandment, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34-35, NIV).

Healthy communication tips for #Husbands

A good marriage thrives on good communication between husband and wife. Effective communication allows good thoughts and feelings to flow between a couple. Men and women share similar communication needs, but there are some key differences between what each gender needs from their partners to have a satisfying relationship.  As men or husbands, it is important to pay attention to the communication needs of women. This is because the more successful we are at making our partners feel loved, the better our chances of getting own needs as well. The following tips could be helpful:

Be a responsive listener.

When women say something there is usually a deeper meaning, so try to listen for the deeper meaning. Try to understand her thought process. (guys really do talk in simpler facts, which makes it more difficult for us to understand subtleties sometimes.) Instead of dismissing what she said because it wasn’t clear or assuming you know what she’s saying, ask questions for clarification when needed.

Give her details.

Details are more important to her than to you.  YOU have to remember that just because details aren’t important to YOU doesn’t mean they aren’t to her. So afford her the pleasure and painstakingly furnish her with the details of the gist.

Listen without fixing

Listen to her without trying to interrupt her,  because you think you know what she wants to say. Don't be a smartass,  let her express and exhaust what's on her mind.  Sometimes she simply wants your ear and not your expert insight.

Brag to others about her.

Let your wife hear you bragging about her to other people. She’s wonderful, right? Let her know you recognize it. Of course, this should be genuine.  She appreciates hearing you affirm her to others. Some guys have the vigor for putting down their wives in public. It's like that's what they have to do to inflate their ego. Tell you what,  it's a sheer indication of insecurity and weakness.

People with Overinflated #Ego

There is a huge difference between ego and confidence. People who suffer from a huge ego see their opinion as the only one that matters. They are driven by what they believe, and facts have little importance to them. Empathy, understanding and compassion require us to let go of the ego and live in another person’s world. This is not possible for the egotistical person. Here I present you certain characteristics you’ll likely identify with people who have bloated ego: 

 

They’ve got an over-bloated sense of self-importance.

They’ve got a misguided sense of entitlement.

They think they are better, smarter, prettier, or more handsome than others.

They are overly concerned about what people say about them. 

They are very particular about making an impression, even though if it were merely a façade.

They like dropping names, they feel good about letting people know (unsolicited) about the important people they’ve been with and the important places they’ve been to.

If the conversation doesn’t go their way, they are not happy.

They always want to win at all costs.  Winning an argument, to them, is like winning a trophy, even if they’ve not made logical sense.

They always want you to know about the good they’ve done for somebody.

They crave rapaciously for compliments. 

The number of likes they get for their Facebook posts gives them a feeling of affirmation.

The truth is that beneath their inflated ego, lies their insecurities. They’ve actually got very low self-esteem. Their overinflated ego only exposes their insecurities than they care to let on

Faithful is He who Calls

Anyone who claims to be called of God, should primarily look up to God for the meeting of his needs and be faithful to the assignment. The servant of God should learn the secret of how to abase and abound, depending fully on God's outworking for sustenance. 

A minister must never be seen to have a sense of entitlement. A minister with such mentality puts himself at the mercy of the frail and fleeting whim of humans and not the satisfying grace of the all-sufficient God. 

It is only God who can genuinely steer the hearts of men to give. And when God does it, it's not the meager handouts that usually come from reluctant hearts and tightfisted hands, but substantial resources from His riches in glory.

The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do it (1 Thess 5:24).

How Does a Church Become a Family?

It takes a long time to become old friends. It cannot be rushed, programmed, or forced. It simply takes time. Ever wondered how does a church become a family assembly instead of a gathering of strangers? What is the ground that must be plowed in order for family roots to take hold and ultimately blossom in the local church?

1. Families know how to disagree

This does not sound warm and fuzzy, does it? But it’s true. Healthy families have learned to honorably disagree and to defend the unity that is so critical for the long-term strength of the home. I see people every week that have disagreed with me but have decided to persevere and forge a friendship despite our differences. This is why I believe church families and marriages are so similar. No one can stay married if they always need to be right. Great marriages and great church families have learned to love while they are fussing and are quick to offer forgiveness and grace.

2. Families celebrate and mourn with one another

 Healthy families embrace the rhythms of each other’s lives, rejoicing when the others are rejoicing and mourning when the others are sad. That new convert who had just been placed in hospice because of cancer and needs succor and strength of others. A despondent single mom who needs prayer and support for her prodigal son.  A sweet grandmother whose daughter, son-in-law, and all their children had just decided to follow Jesus. She had prayed for them for 13 years. We bond when we share the pains and joys of others in Church. That is family.

3. Families make room for new arrivals

When babies are born, the family celebrates the new arrival. No one is sad because more room has to be made at the dinner table. The same is true with healthy church families. They are always ready to welcome the new arrivals at the table. Church get large and it can be overwhelming at times to walk into a big building full of strange faces.  But it is also true that if I simply give it time, people will embrace me if I make room for the embrace.

4. Families serve one another

Healthy church families are keenly aware of the needs all around them. In the early church, it was said, “there were no needy persons among them.” (Acts 4:34) What a beautiful picture of family surrounding each other, embracing the broken, and giving generously so that everyone has an advocate and hope.

It is refreshing and rewarding to belong to a family that can disagree and still love, celebrates, and mourns with each other, makes room for the new arrivals, and is quick to serve and bless. That is a growing family. 

        

                                 

Rightly 'Dividing'

In my experience as an instructor in the Seminary, I have seen a very faulty pattern in the way church leaders and Christians study scriptures.

Apart from pretexting, they also prooftext. They link scriptures that don't align, and have entirely different themes and contexts, and forcefully marry them together to support a point or justify their position.

It is important that we seek to analyze scriptures within their contexts. 

Never take a scripture out of its context.

Never try to make a text say what's it's not saying.

Never try to merge scriptures that are unrelated, to justify a position.

Always, again, I repeat, always:

Seek to understand the plain meaning of a text.

e.g. if a passage is talking about giving to a minister, don't use it as giving to a church project 

If scripture is talking about obeying civil authority, don't mix it up with obeying parental authority.

When a text is specifically referring to the nation of Israel, don't use it as an allusion to the church.

Always do your interpretation in the context of the passage. Context determines meaning! 

Do not isolate a passage from its immediate context. There is the immediate context of the sentence, then the paragraph, then the section, and then the book and even the author. The reader should look at all these circles of context to be able to correctly assess the meaning.

We do a lot of mix up.

What does this tell me?  It means, there's a gap in the discipleship process of our churches. People are not tutored on the basic principles of Bible study.

Paul emphasized the need to rightly (accurately) divide (explain, analyze, apply) the Word of truth.

Paul said when we do that we would be a worker approved of God, that needs not be ashamed. (2 Tim 2:15)

I think it is considered shameful when we wrongly and recklessly use or apply scriptures inaccurately.

And God doesn't approve.

HERE WE ARE

Here we are

Still trudging a dingy path

Stretching our necks for a ray of light

We see faintly only the faces of forlorn figures

We hear dimly the voices of weary watchers

Watchin' for promises far-fetched

Searchin' for truth quite sketched

Like one on a quest for true love

In a breathless harvest for pasture clove

But alas, hope is unrequited

Our long wait for freedom is unrecompensed

We've been cheated seventy times seven

We've been whipped silly outta our Haven

Our portion has been sieged by plunderers

Our ration ravaged by pillagers

Thieves have taken over our palaces

Rogues have taken hostage our princes

We've become strangers in our own land

We've become beggars for our heritage fund

Here we are

Still groping on a dingy path

The farther we go, the longer the journey

Every Oasis of hope is a mirage of misery

With omnious despatch our fortune takes flight

 It's been a long night, no dawn in sight

Yet we seem complacent in consternation

Deprivation has taught us disinclination

We mind not settling for tossed crumbs

We are fixated with quick fixes

We choose survival over salvation

Here we are 

Still roiling in the murk 

Faces of forlorn figures 

Voices of weary watchers

We mind not settling for tossed crumbs

For the fill of the gullet, we forsake glory

For a morsel in a mo, we barter our birthright

How long shall we continue to clown

In the mound of our foolery

When shall we seize the truth 

And light up our hope

When shall our salvation be

Here we are

Still groping on a dingy path

The farther we go, the longer the journey

#Truthtalk

1. The Holy Spirit/God is the author of meaning/knowledge.
2. Meaning is conveyed in God's word and His word is truth.
3. You do not confuse your insight with the imperative of the Spirit.
4. Don't try to rationalise divine injunction in view of human intellect. You’ll be treading the path of error.
5. Meaning must find expression in your heart to be effective. The word must gain entrance to give understanding.
6. When it finds expression it illuminates your heart and renews your mind and gives you insight/understanding.
7. You can be knowledgeable and yet foolish or ignorant. Ignorance is not just the absence of knowledge, it is the willful or outright rejection or subtle denial of truth.
8. Where truth is absent, obscurity pervades—you live in delusion.
9. When you think you know or use other people or other people's insight as a parameter or standard for truth—you become deluded (obscured).
10. Your insight must bring about an impact, information must lead to transformation.
11. Change is definite but not absolute. It is continuous, progressive, and transcendental.  But the truth that changes is absolute.
12. If you are of God and sincere about truth, you will identify and identify with the truth (John 7:17-18; 1 Cor 2:7-10).

REVELATION IS NOT A TICKET

Revelation does not authomatically lead to transformation. It is one's response to what is revealed that determines the impact of revelation on one's life. Paul chose not to be disobedient to the "heavenly vision" at his encounter enroute Damascus (Acts 26:19), meaning, he could still have risen up from his epiphany, unyeilding to the gracious voice that  had spoken from heaven, and walked away hardened by resisting the high calling of God.

Our response to the Divine encounters on our life journey is significant to who or what we eventually become in view of God's purpose for our lives. Divine revelation is not a fiat to transformation. Our obedience is a deciding factor.

WHEN WE COME TO THE TABLE

When we take communion, we should be serious, but we shouldn't be doleful. We seem to often forget the eschatological nature of the Lord's Supper. "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:26 This should stir up in us the joy of our redemptive heritage and the hope of our eternal destiny. It should be a moment of blessed assurance, not solemn melancholy.

My Resurrection Story

Halleluyah He arose
And because He arose:
I am forgiven, I'm empowered to forgive
I am a son of God, I have a godly heritage
I belong to a Kingdom ruled by a living and ageless Sovereign
I have an authentic faith expressed in love, truth and hope
I have eternal life, I share the divine nature
I am an overcomer, I live in victory
I have a living hope, imperishable, undefiled and unfading

MINISTRY IS NOT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Christian ministry is not in the stage upon which we showcase our talents for a watching audience. It is not in the use of a microphone to amplify our voices in making an egocentric impression on our hearers. We are not called to be performers. If God were in need of celebrities to further his purpose on earth, Hollywood would be His catchment area. Ministry is essentially about service. To minister is to serve, a calling common to all Christians. We are called to serve God's interests and invariably serve the needs of people.

Ministry is not also exclusive to pastors, evangelists, prophets, and the likes of pulpit ministers, nor is it confined to church activities or relationships; it permeates every part of our lives, including our jobs and our daily activities.  The life of every believer should be one of full-time Christian ministry, whether carried out as a church worker or leader, or a parent, a doctor, a storekeeper, a school teacher, a student, or any other life endeavor.

What is key is that "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [or for yourselves], since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-24).

So, friend, step away from your microphone, step down from the stage, take your eyes off the crowd, close your ears to the applause, stop being captivated by yourself, get on the 'service' lane and let your work and life glorify God.

The Hebrew word for work, Avodah, aptly captures the concept of ministry, it is used not only for labor, but also for worship and service. Everything we do is to be done in service to God, with an attitude of worship.

GETTING TOO FAMILIAR?

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (Mark 6:3 KJV)

This was Jesus whose teaching amazed and healing impacted people in other towns, but in his home town, Nazareth, he was merely seen as a "carpenter" and they were offended at him. Sometimes, we allow over-familiarity to lessen our relationships with persons who God brings our way to enhance our life experiences.

We often become so accustomed to them that we begin to take them for granted. We gradually forget that when people come into our lives, they come with their personality, skills, values, unique gifts, competencies, and all the graces they've been endowed with. Our familiarity with them doesn't diminish their value. Rather, it gives us access to benefit from their offering and vice versa.

In verse 5 of the above text, we read that Jesus could do little or nothing in impacting his home people because they undermined him. He was their "hometown boy" so "what's the big deal". Familiarity sure does breed contempt.

Similarly, we lose out from enriching our relationships with others, when we take them for granted. My pediatrician friend doesn't suddenly become a nobody when it comes to child health matters, just because we are now so close. My wife doesn't stop seeing me as a  communication specialist, just because we've been married for a while. My pastor-friend doesn't abruptly lose my respect for his call and the grace upon his life, just because we go on first-name basis.

When our relationship is becoming callused by over-familiarity with friends and loved ones, let's take a break from that edgy lane of impulsive and insensitive behavior, reflect on the who, why, and how of the persons in our lives. If it does matter that they keep being there, we need to make the required adjustment, identify the areas we've been taking them for granted and review our attitude on the basis of a purpose-driven relationship.

WHITE NATIONALISM AND CHRISTIANITY

Yes, "White nationalism" is a growing threat, especially in view of Trump's  rhetoric and the recent terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand,  but it is an absurdity to equate it with Christianity.

The phrase, "White Christian nationalism" twists and distorts the faith founded by a brown-skinned, Middle Eastern Jew named Jesus.

If anything, Christianity is an antithesis of and antidote to racism or any xenophobic syndrome.

So peddlers and pundits of hate and vengeful violence in the guise of religion or religious disharmony, should get their narrative right.

"For we have not so learned Christ."

Love and forgiveness are at the core of the Christian faith. And it is beyond platitudes,  it is beyond boundaries.

Nothing can be more real!👆

GENRES OF SCRIPTURE

The law gives the foundation for Christ,
history shows the preparation for Him.
In poetry, there is an aspiration for Christ
and in prophecy an expectation of Him.
The Gospels of the New Testament record the historical manifestation of Christ,
the Acts relate the propagation of Christ,
the Epistles give the interpretation of Him,
and in Revelation is found the consummation of all things in Christ.

- Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix

TOXIC TALK

We love to know and share rumors and secrets. The more scandalous they are, the more fun they can be to share. We often forget to stop to consider if it is true or not. We adjust or fill in the details, exaggerating here and there so we can get the right reaction. We become storytellers of the worst kind. We want to know about disputes and give our opinion. We are drawn to conflict. We want to hear and watch others go down.

 A simple conversation becomes an opportunity to speak negatively about someone. Maybe we hold a prejudice against someone and secretly want others to share that prejudice, weaving opinions into a conversation to get the others to agree, “Oh, yes, he is so much like this” or “It’s absolutely horrible how she gets away with that.”

Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Proverbs 26:20.

If we accept everything we hear about others as fact right away, it shows how close the sin of gossip and backbiting is to us. Even letting the idea run around in our minds is the first step on the path towards division and strife. Lies spread like wildfire.

Before you spread that tale THINK!
T - is it True
H - is it Helpful
I -  is it Inspiring
N - is it Necessary
K - is it Kind

RAINS OF MARCH

Rains of March we welcome you

Come with hope and a promise of better things

Showers of blessings refreshingly soothing

From the scorching heat

Sweats and tears fizzling out

Signs of health and prosperity

Sounds of joy with every spatter

In the splatter we see laughter

Omens are turned to fortunes

Joy flowing from inside out

Friendlier banters in the wet

Cuddlier bonds are forging

Walls of rancour are receding

Hurts and aches melting away in drains

Healing and wholeness from balmy waters

Rains of March we welcome you

Soak our hearts with perfect bliss

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE TO IWD

The theme for this year's International Women’s Day (IWD) is “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”.

The theme focuses on innovative ways in which gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure, can be advanced.

This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that requires transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions, particularly when it comes to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

At the core of SDGs is the  achievement of a Planet 50-50 by 2030, in other words, we look to a world where women will share equal opportunities and participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design and even theology.

SDGs' ambition is to remove barriers preventing  the development and influence of gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society. This is based on the premise that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.

However, based on current trajectories, it does not seem feasible that existing interventions will suffice to achieve the 2030 agenda. The demographics show that there is still a very wide gap between male and female in the scheme of things, and this is not just an African or Asian thing. Even in more 'liberal' climes the ideal is still very far from reachable.

As IWD 2019 looks towards innovative approaches that disrupt “business as usual”, central to removing structural barriers and ensuring that no woman and no girl is left behind, through the instrumentalities of  industry leaders, game-changing start-ups, social entrepreneurs, gender equality activists, and women innovators; to examine the ways in which innovation can remove barriers and accelerate progress for gender equality, encourage investment in gender-responsive social systems, and build services and infrastructure that meet the needs of women and girls, the church should not also be left out.

The church needs to step up as an agent of social transformation and a co-creator of the culture of social justice, to advance the course of the liberated and empowered woman, in every sphere of endeavor, through Awareness, Advocacy and Action that will not just shake but turn tables.

The Gospel must come alive in shaping the palpitations and permutations of our societies with reference to the stereotypes, prejudices, objectification and narratives that have kept our women under, or average.

We must take a cue from the Master, whose initiative, resonated with the IWD theme for this year. In thinking equal, building smart, and innovating for change, he took a bold stride across cultural, racial and gender barriers to liberate and empower the Samaritan woman (John 4).

#IWD
#WifysBirthday
#liberateandempowerthewoman

AMBASSADORS NOT BASTARDS

Notice that after the Fall, God took the initiative to seek out Adam and Eve. He didn’t cut them off or quit on them. Instead of shaming them, he covered their shame and charted out a restorative plan for them. This same restorative plan he extended to us in Christ. Without his initiative, we would not even want to be reconciled with him.

Why then is it that when one of our own strays, we are quick to vilify, mortify and blacklist them? We take joy in their fall and form a caucus to unleash a sneer and smear campaign against them. We gloat over their failure. We assume a self-righteous posture, brandishing the gavel of judge, jury, and executioner to do them in.

Who really are we, image-bearers of a loving God or vengeful cannibals preying on our own kind? God’s purpose in creation and redemption is to have a family of children conformed to the image of his Son, not a bunch of rivaling siblings plotting one another's mishap (Rom 8:29).

Every act of malice, conspiracy, treachery against our own kind, deforms our 'likeness' of Whose image to which we are meant to be conformed.

Our new creation experience is based on God's gracious initiative to reconcile us to himself and he went on to entrust us with the ministry of reconciliation.

"...that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us..." (2 Cor 5:19- 20a)

We are not bastards but ambassadors, so let's start reflecting the true nature of Christ, living up to the ministry of reconciliation invested in us!

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

This was the language used by Nazis against Jews ("vermin"), Hutus against Tutsis ("cockroaches") and American slaveowners against slaves ("animals"). Once you've labeled people as animals, violence, murder and genocide will follow.

Every person is created in the image and likeness of God. Labeling human beings as animals is dangerous and despicable. History has shown that with such dehumanising stereotypes, words are weaponised into bloodshed. Every sneering and smearing rhetoric, scapegoating our fellow human beings  should be discouraged and denounced.

We need to start expunging all hate vocabularies and tropes in our communication with and about one another. We should appeal to the moral good in all aspects and manifestations our communicative interaction as human beings.

We read in the Epistles, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" ( Col 4:6).

We need to work at communication that enhances human worth and dignity by fostering truthfulness, fairness, responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for self and others. We should eschew every communication that threatens the quality of our humanity and consequently the well-being of individuals and the society in which we live.

Distinctives of a Man of Value

Texts: Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2: 8; 15-23; Luke 12:24-25

Introduction

Man is a creation of Value. Everything that God created has intrinsic value (Gen. 1:31), however, man has higher value than all God’s creation. The value of a man derives from God, because he is created in the image and likeness of God. He is an image bearer.

Contrary to the pop culture view of the alpha male (a man tending to assume a dominant or domineering role in social or professional situations; the man’s man, a stand-up guy, the centre of attention, the ladies’ man), man as an image bearer gives expression to his value in whatever role he functions: Son, Husband, Father, Minister, Leader etc. It’s the man that makes a father, not the father that makes a man.

What kind of man is a man of value?

A man who has a relationship with God
A man that listens (obeys) to God
A man with a sense of purpose
A man that is trustworthy
A man with a sense of duty
A man with a sense of perception and intelligence
A man who acknowledges his need for a relationship
A man with the capacity to be agreeable
A man with a sense of value
A man who validates others
A man with social skills
A man with an inclination for romance

Conclusion

A father is more than just a name. It is more than a title. It is more than the sperm that fertilized an egg. A father is someone who is willing to step up, take care of his children and his family. A father is one who will love his wife and children with unconditional love, no matter what; serving as the bedrock of character, strength and fruitfulness for the family.

Only the man who cultivates the above distinctives can fit such fatherly role.

#fathersweek #biblestudy #yabatechFGC

Combating the Enemy of Fruitfulness

The Bible, often, uses the metaphor of fruit to describe the produce of our lives.

The ultimate measure of fruitfulness is a life surrendered to and patterned after Christ.

Fruit is the direct result of whatever controls our hearts (Matthew 15:19).

A fruitful Christian will produce the fruit of the Spirit of Christ ( (Galatians 5:22–23).

However, the enemy lurks and prowls working at hindering our fruitfulness.

We can't sit idly by, ignorant, lackadaisical or indifferent of the enemy's ploy to stultify us from bearing fruit.

We should contend with him. Resist his clandestine agenda.

We should realise we are in a struggle. We must be battle-ready at all times.

We should be proactive in identifying the strategy of the enemy.

His plot to whittle down the authenticity of the Gospel in our hearts.

Feeding our minds with alternative 'truths' (what looks like it, but it's not it at all) to fuel disobedience in our hearts.

Contending with the truth of God in our hearts to make us lose confidence in the efficacy of the Gospel.

Getting us preoccupied with religious activities that dissipate our life-energy and commitment to God.

A lot of motion, but no traction.

Getting us fixated on form and function but no fruition.

Having identified the enemy's tactics, we must ignite the spiritual strength in us to combat him.

We need to strengthen our union with Christ to draw strength from Him (Eph 6:10). As branches cling to the vine, we cling to Christ, drawing our very life from Him.

We are implored to clothe ourselves with the full armour of God, walking in truth, righteousness, faith, brandishing the spoken word against the wily thoughts of the enemy, as we bear witness to Christ in our testimony and lifestyle and affirm our salvation against the darts of doubt the enemy may shoot at us (Eph 11-13).

We stand firm in our union with Christ and engage the authority we have to resist the adversary.

As we ignite our God-given power against the unfruitful works of the enemy, we need to intensify our affront against him in prayers (Eph 6:18).

We pray in accordance with the dictates and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We pray at any time in any event, for every reason. No time or occasion is more expedient to pray than the other.

We pray alertly as we watch out for signals and directives from the Spirit. We pray for our fellow-saints, who are companions with us in the battle against the enemy of our fruitfulness.

We are in contention with the enemy of our fruitfulness, however, our arsenal isn’t humanistically designed, but it is divinely enabled to demolish that entire massively corrupt culture.

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.

Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into fruitfulness and maturity.

#sundaysermon #pulpitexchange

The Metamorphosis of Truth

People can stay in an environment of truth and not be affected by the truth; ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Mind renewal process goes beyond the mere accumulation of information. It is the entrance of the word that gives enlightenment and understanding to the simpleton. The truth must be given an opening in the very core of our souls to make meaningful impact, else our state would be nothing short of the beggar at the 'beautiful gate' and yet without even the foretaste of that beauty.

It takes the attitude of meekness to be open to truth, to be sincere about our state to let the truth X-ray our nuances and intents. Only when the truth finds humble acceptance in our 'hearts' can it be engrafted in us and then our 'salvation' would have started. Acceptance is followed by consciousness and emphasis. Consciousness and emphasis intensify the impact of renewal. Beyond knowledge accumulation then, is the inclination toward what is true. Inclination births meditation and then comes the volition to respond to truth.

The process of inclination begins with cognitive exposure to the truth—the point of mental awareness, reinforced by a mental appreciation of the truth. Just being aware won't do. We must engage the truth and establish how it applies to us and why indeed it is needful. Then comes the emotional inclination to the truth. We move from the level of awareness and appreciation to the emotional processing of truth. We become passionate about it. This is no more about what I am told or what I heard but what I feel about what I have heard. Here, there is a solid motivation to hold on to the truth. Next is the volitional inclination to the truth. Passion births resolve. This is where conviction is formed. Conviction is the composite of passion and resolve. At this point, one becomes resolute about the truth—and surely with resolve comes action.

It is action that espouses the impact of truth. Every other component in the process is intrinsic, but the corresponding action to truth, embeds the extrinsic value of the change the truth effectuates in the soul. Yes, we know that He works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure— but not without working out our salvation with fear and trembling by the furtive appropriation of the truth we encounter.

My Reflection, My Recall

I'm sobered by the unfolding of events. I'm mortified by the hard lessons of abusing privilege. I'm jolted into consciousness of the imperative for one to make one's calling and election sure. The imperative to be mindful of one's profession, and the abstinence required of the one who bears the name of the Lord.

Indeed, we are fallible, but we've been graced to be faithful.Yeah, we are swerved daily towards the edge of the precipice, by the burden we bear, and the passion we share. Yet, we must not fail to give ourselves to the virtues that make us useful and productive, lest we become shortsighted or blind, forgetting the import of our redemption.

Our path is tortuous, laced with subtle distractions. But aren't we wont to ignore the danger signs and cautionary nudges that goad our slippery steps from dashing against stumbling stones? In our conceit, we take solace in impunity, grazing in the lush of lust.

Grace, Grace, Grace, should we not bask in Grace! Oh yes indeed, Grace is an instructor, not an indulger, instructing us to deny ourselves the  desires that war against our souls, to desist from pleasures that imperil our 'salvation'.

I'm sobered by the unfolding of events. I'm stoned by the rage, the jeering, the hurling of venom, the darts of truth against the abuse of privilege.

Herein is my reflection, herein is my recall to reality. May my ears hearken to wisdom, may my heart heed understanding.

Cynicism

...the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun their lord, "Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Hasn't David sent them to you only to explore the city and spy it out and overthrow? (2 Sam 10:3)

Last week, my post on the above scripture generated reactions from some of my friends. They had expected a positive interpretation, and with David as the focal point. But I tweaked the narrative, emphasising the validity of the sentiment of the Ammonites over the sincerity of David's intention.

While the Ammonites may have sounded cynical, their sentiment was valid in view of their reality, which is equally subtantive to present-day reality. Our world is flawed. It's a dog-eat-dog world.

Betrayals come in very familiar and friendly packages. There's always a Brutus setting up a Ceasar, or a Judas giving away a Jesus with a kiss. Treachery is masked with goodwill. This is why cynicism is rife. There's no trust, not even hope in what's is true, good and beautiful. Humanity has become a tragedy.

However, like Robert Case said, "cynicism is sub-Christian and unbiblical." Cynicism is a product of our fallen nature, not the fruit of the Spirit. Our faith was founded on love; love inspired by value and volition for redeemed humanity. This love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

While we may need to live discerningly in a fallen world, we can't afford to carry on with sarcasm and pessimism, like the cynic Ammonites, who misinterpreted David's good intentions, and responded with treachery. It's a vicious circle. Treachery breeds cynicism, and cynicism breeds treachery.

We should respond with a different spirit, in a more excellent way. We keep hope alive. Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Rom 5:5).

Preacher, Get to Work!

Hey preacher, pastor, evangelist, blogger,  or whatever you have chosen to call yourself, in view of your calling, don't just take a pharisaical posture jibing diatribes at your audience. 

Tone down the caustic edge in your message. You can be incisive without being corrosive.
You are not going to reach them by taunting them.

 "For God so loved the world (culture)." If the God who we claim to have sent us loves the culture, from where do we get such pulsating negative energy, venting hate speeches, under the guise of preaching the gospel or the truth. Stop ranting and lashing out, quit being angry and defensive as if culture is the enemy. Culture is an opportunity to engage and impact.

We are no more in the days of John the Baptist. It's a post-modern and post-Christian culture. Stop answering questions your audience doesn’t care about. Do your homework and build your capacity to engage with more nuanced thought. Read more, read wide. Do some research. Figure out the questions your audience is asking. Engage your audience's  questions, and worldviews at an informed level and in a winsome and persuasive way.

It is not enough to exegete the biblical text, we need to do more to exegete the audience and culture. Like Carey Nieuwhof writes, the future belongs to preachers who exegete the culture and audience as well as they exegete the text.

E-discipleship

About 2 billion people make the number of monthly active Facebook users worldwide. This is excluding the number of active users on other social networking platforms.

As the amount of time people spend online continues to increase, the Church has to leverage this space to make disciples.

If people are spending their time online, the Church should be there making them into disciples.

This is what Digital Discipleship is about. Digital discipleship is the discipleship that happens digitally.

It’s where the Church leverages technology for the sake of spreading the Gospel and helping followers of Jesus grow in their faith and knowledge of God’s word.

In close to two months of lockdown, I've been so enriched by online engagements for prayer, Bible study, worship and fellowship through Blogs and Vlogs, Podcasts, Zoom broadcasts, watch parties, Instagram chats and more.

I have also had opportunities to run classes and seminars on WhatsApp, and they were very effective, with great response and participation.

In my Pauline online class, feedback showed that class participation and deep learning was higher than the regular class.

What's my point? There are vast opportunities for discipleship on the social media. Social networking platforms have readymade resources for us to build digital faith  communities and small groups. And we can start with our local churches.

We can co-opt our millennials who are techies and social media savvy, into a powerful communication team, maximising their energy and creativity and using all the tools and strategies at our disposal to carry out the Great Commission.

This way we strategically position the church online (beyond Covid-19) and create a Christian presence that allows us to reach out, touch base with a digital generation, make the church more innovative in reaching its missional goal.

Doing this, we answer questions, provide comfort, meet needs, create atmosphere for expression and connection, empower members and grow new leaders, and show Jesus’ love in a compelling way, even as we expand the scope and deepen the impact of the Church's educational ministry.

Does the Bible Undermine the Woman? (3)

Women's right to inherit land and other property is severely restricted in many parts of the world. Under customary law, which is upheld in many countries in Africa, at a man's death, his property is either inherited by his adult sons or, if his children are minors, repossessed by his family.

Similarly, in ancient Israel, women were denied the right to inherit land. When a man dies, only the male descendants could inherit his lands. If there were no male descendants, then according to accepted practice, the brothers of the deceased were to inherit the land.

However, the daughters of Zelophehad would not be disinherited by tradition (Num 27). With tact and dignity, they made a bold move to demand what rightfully belonged to their father. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah came before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the chieftains, and the whole assembly of male leadership. "Let not our father’s name be lost...just because he had no son! Give us a holding among our father’s kinsmen!" (vv. 3-4).

In a culture, with a social construct that rigidly defined women's roles, rights, and responsibilities, this was unthinkable; it was unheard of. Moses didn't even know how to react. He decided to bring their case before God (v.5). Surprisingly, God supported the sisters' position. "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. "God commanded Moses to grant the demand of the sisters (v. 7).

It is significant to note the acumen displayed by the Zelophehad sisters to recognize the
omission in 'God’s law'. They knew enough that God’s law aims to be just, as such they did not hesitate to point out the unfair nature in which the law had been interpreted to exclude them and their kind from the commonwealth of the nation.

It is also significant that Moses did not overrule them, but rather gave them a fair hearing, and even appealed to the Ultimate Judge on their matter. God's intervention was a significant shift. The ladies did not only secure their inheritance, but their demand also led to an innovation in the legal institution of the land; the promulgating of a new and permanent law that protected women's right to inheritance (v. 8).

Again, we see vividly another instance that proves that the Bible is not discriminatory against women, neither does God endorse patriarchal structures that tend to restrict or suppress the woman.

In my next post, I'll be highlighting some radical statements or expressions in the Old Testament that was countercultural to the androcentric worldview of Bible times.

To be continued...

The Motherhood of God

Oh yes, for many of us who are of a conservative breed of Christianity, we feel uneasy, when God is associated with feminine imagery. We are more at home with the idea of the Fatherhood of God; that God is male, a father, a king, a warrior, and so forth.

Actually, God is as much a mother as He is a father, He is as much female as he is male. God is not genderized. Both male and female are in His image ( Gen 1:27; 5:2). Although the Bible was written in patriarchal contexts, it doesn't reinforce the androcentric stereotypes that we are more familiar with and that tend to venerate human masculinity over femininity.

Bible writers, in their anthropomorphic portrayal of God, chose to distance themselves from the "woman" or "mother" imagery of God, to avoid being confused with the ancient goddess religions that deified nature. For example, in Greek mythology, Gaea was the great mother of all: the primal Greek Mother Goddess; acclaimed to be creator and giver of birth to the Earth and all the Universe.

So in an attempt to emphasize God’s transcendence over nature, and to differentiate between true divinity (Yahweh) and deified nature, ancient Bible authors, more frequently used male metaphors in their description of God. However, we still find some (and very significant) maternal or motherly metaphors, used to describe God in the Bible.

In Genesis 17:1, God is "Shaddai," the many breasted God because He is the Nourisher, the Strength-giver, and the Satisfier of His people. As a whining and unsatisfied baby is nourished from the mother's breast, so El Shaddai is a Nourisher and Satisfier to His own. The Psalmist prayed, "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love" (90:14); just as He satisfies our desires with good things (103:5).

Various Old Testament passages portray God as a mother bird sheltering her children under her wings (e.g. Ps 91:4). The protective inclination of a mother is used to analogize God as a protector. A variation of this image paints God as a mother eagle, who, in training her children to be independent and to grow stronger, never leaves their side, so as to catch them from falling or crashing (Deut 32:10-11). He is depicted as the Mother-God always looking out for His own.

In Isaiah 49:15, God reassures His people as a suckling mother, who can never forget the "baby at her breast." In Isaiah 42:14, God likens Himself to a woman in childbirth, who passionately and fiercely comes to salvage His own. It is significant that Jesus used the maternal experience of childbearing in describing our salvation (born again) experience (John 3:3).

In Isaiah 66:9, He presents Himself as a compassionate and competent midwife, who assists in successful child delivery; signifying that with Him there are no abortive endeavors. In Isaiah 66:13, He is a mother who comforts her child. Similarly, in Hebrew 4:15-16, God in Christ is the High Priest who empathizes with us in our frailty. He feels us, connects with us, and soothes us, just like a mother does to a distressed child. This picture of a standby mother typifies the paraclete function of the Holy Spirit, who is also the Comforter.

These motherly attributes of God are rooted in His unconditional love, as expressed to us through Christ, just as mother's love is unconditional.

The maternal metaphors, as well as the masculine images of God in the Bible, do not replace God's reality or equate His totality, but they reveal and help us to appreciate some truths about Him and His disposition towards us.

As we commemorate Mother's Day, we can relate more meaningfully with God's unconditional love and care towards us through our loving mothers.

Does the Bible Undermine the Woman? (2)

As we forge ahead in this discourse, it is important to note that this is not another advocacy for feminism or a pitch for the battle of the sexes. We are concerned with correcting the notion that the Bible is sexist or that the God of the Bible has something against the woman.

As we pointed out in the last post, in creation both the man and the woman are equal image-bearers of God. Whatever disparity that may have reared was as a result of the Fall.

The noetic effects of sin on the minds of 'men', could be said to be responsible for the perspectives and traditions that define the cosmos as a man's world, to the disadvantage of or the demeaning posture against women.

In biblical history, at different times, we see God showing a departure from the prejudice against the woman. At the threshold of Israel's civilization as a nation, Miriam emerged as a strong player, a significant personality, and a unifying force in bringing to bear God's plan for the new nation (Ex 15). She could be said to be a stateswoman.

Ranked along with Aaron her brother (not as subordinate but as equal), who became the founding father of the Levitical priesthood, Miriam was known as "the prophetess," and led the choir of maidens who sang the triumph-song after the crossing of the Red Sea, just as Moses led the menfolk (she was eminently skilled in music). This was even before the Levitical order was instituted, which of course turned out to be a predominantly male leadership.

In Micah 6:4, God reminds Israel of His dealings with them and mentioned Miriam along with Moses and Aaron as a leader who God used to bring them deliverance out of slavery.

Certainly, a misogynistic God wouldn't have given a Miriam the spotlight, neither would a sexist Bible have recorded the account of her strong leadership, especially in a patriarchy.

Some have argued that the role of women was limited to the prophetic, and not extended to the priesthood, as the priests (who were strictly men) were meant to teach the laws of God, thereby forbidding women from the teaching ministry.

What should not be forgotten is that the Aaronic priesthood was a product of a patriarchal structure that virtually excluded women from Jewish formal education, and since it took some formal education to teach, it follows that only the crop of those enlisted would be placed in the roles that require such education.

Moreover, the Levitical priesthood, which is the reference point of those insisting on "male-only" priesthood, was imperfect, limited, and temporary (Hebrews 7). The priesthood of Christ, which was typified by Melchizedek, takes away every inhibition in the priesthood order— gender, social, racial, and any other.

In my next post, we will consider another example of the departure from the norm, as orchestrated by God to affirm His disposition to the woman.

To be continued ...

Does the Bible Undermine the Woman?

"Patriarchal, androcentric, sexist," are the leading adjectives that have been used to describe the culture portrayed in biblical narratives.

Church denominations have used (and still use) parts of the Bible to deny women’s full participation and treat them as second-class citizens in church and society.

For example, women are denied ordination based on the argument that all of Jesus’ disciples were male. Paul’s teaching that women should be silent in the church (1 Cor. 14:34-35) has often been used to deny women’s religious leadership. People have also cited the household codes (Col. 3:18—4:1; Eph. 5:21—6:9; 1 Peter 2:18—3:7) to support wives’ submission (or is it subversion?) to their husbands, and to typecast women's roles in the family.

In view of the above, feminist hermeneuts have emerged, clamoring for a re-reading of Scriptures from a feminine perspective, devoid of the patriarchal and androcentric positions against women, which have thrown up "oppressive structures" undermining the dignity of the woman both in the church and society.

In modern society, women continue to agitate for equality and empowerment in virtually every sphere of human endeavor. There's no end to the claims and demands of rights and entitlements, as more feminist agendas are forming across religious and sociopolitical lines.

As expected, sharp reactions are meeting this feminist novelty, certainly from the male tribe, tagging the womanist 'uprising' as an affront on, and an attempt to deconstruct the creational order.

While it is apparent that the Bible was written into specific cultures and contexts that didn't give equal social advantages to women, it would not be true to say that the message of the Bible is sexist or discriminatory against women.

The idea of male dominance is actually a fallout from fallen humanity (Gen 3:16). The clause, "...he shall rule over you” is not a biblical command for men to dominate women, it's rather God's judgment, predictive, of the woman's inordinate desire to overrule her husband. In the beginning, it was not so. However, in the New Testament, Christ restores all things to the ideal, including the relationship between man and woman. We will dwell on that as the series unfold.

From the beginning, the Bible presents gender equality. It teaches that man and woman are created equally in the image of God and together have dominion over the earth (Gen 1:26–27). "...in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them."

The creation narrative plot climaxes in the creation of the woman, fulfilling man’s need for a partner corresponding to him (Gen 2:18, 20), not subordinate to him, as some have misinterpreted. The text describes the woman being created to be the man's helper literally, “a strength corresponding to him.”

Unfortunately, the English translation did not do justice to the Hebrew word ʿēzer', often translated “helper,” which, in English, implies a subordinate or servant. In the original referent, ʿēzer' does not suggest “helper” as in “servant,” but in most cases describes God as his people’s rescuer, strength, or might.

So, impliedly, the Bìble puts the woman in a position of strength, support, and rescuer in relation to the man; as a corresponding partner and not a subordinate.

In the next episode, we shall examine God's own disposition in history, to Israel's patriarchy and restrictive tradition against women.

To be continued...

The Error of Moses: Leadership Lessons

In Exodus 17, Moses obeyed God by striking the rock, but in Numbers 20 he disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. God disciplined Moses, even though his disobedience was provoked by the people.

The following insights speak to leaders, especially in the church in aligning with God's redemptive pattern for the church and humanity:

1. Leaders should not allow the pressure or burden of the people to frustrate them into disobeying God. The leader would face overbearing and overwhelming moments, from the people, he should, however, not be bugged by the taunts of the people or boxed into having to prove a point to them. Leadership is not about playing to the gallery or pandering to popular opinion. That may be a sign of insecurity. Remember, Saul, lost the kingdom because he cared too much about what the people would say (1 Sam 15: 24).

2. There could be results even in our disobedience. However, results do not justify us or validate wrongdoing. Result is never evidence of righteousness. There could be results even in unrighteousness. So, those who are quick to defend error because "it works," should remember that Moses was in error when he struck the rock twice, instead of speaking to the rock, and water still gushed out.

3. The rock represents Christ in the Old Testament ( 1 Cor 10:4). Christ has been sacrificed (stricken), for our salvation once and for all. Any sacrifice we are trying to offer now in terms of works or human permutation to attain salvation or its benefits is like striking the Rock instead of just speaking to the Rock by affirming what has already been accomplished. This itself is disobedience.

4. Any form of disobedience, disruptive of God's pattern for His people, including acts of legalism, and emphases on works, dishonors Christ and does not bring glory to his name. Rather, it focuses attention on human leaders and elevates their whims and esteem in the mind of the people. It denies the people of truly encountering and glorifying God.

5. God will not spare leaders still striking when they are supposed to be speaking to the Rock. Those disrupting God's redemptive pattern for humanity and for the church should know that the servant who refuses to do according to the Lord's will, shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12:47).

Creative Response

These are challenging times and as leaders, we are expected to respond creatively and meaningfully.

In responding to a crisis, the tendency is there to “do whatever works” or what everybody is doing. However, faithful and fruitful leadership goes beyond just being there or making sure that you are seen. It's not about making an impression to earn some accolades. It's about creating an impact where it's needed.

We should respond as thoughtful and effective leaders. It takes faithfulness and the desire to be fruitful to respond this way.

We need to be faithful—faithful to the scriptures and faithful to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. And, we need to be fruitful—finding and following practices that do bear good leadership fruit.

We explore the scriptures to draw insights that will inspire and enrich our thoughts and actions, even as we lean on and listen to the Holy Spirit for directives that will lead to impact.

With a finisher's resolve, we translate insights gained into value— value that lay hold of the foreseeable future, saving and enriching the lives of the people we are called to reach.