“Preparing To Journey In Lent!”

“Preparing To Journey In Lent…!”
Some years back I worshipped in a congregation in Pretoria. There happened to be a congregational meeting on that day. A point of discussion on the agenda was replacing the pastor’s old car. It was the concern of the Christians that the pastor’s car was now a liability and even a disgrace to the congregation.
One thing I admired was the humility of the pastor. He was a white minister to a mixed congregation. He had driven me to church in his car on that Sunday. And to tell you the truth, that car needed to be replaced.
What I’m bringing to light in this message is that his five year old son told him he wanted a hummer jeep and the pastor told the son, “Son if that’s what you want, then you have the wrong person as your dad!”
Of course, this is a great contrast to the extravagance and ostentatious nature of the pastoral ministry today! The ministry has today become a prestigious club where sacrificial service has been slaughtered at the alter of prestigious good life; where church ministers compete in wealth with the successful entrepreneurs of society!
Gullible Christians become victims of scam because instead of teaching that the way of discipleship is the way of hardship, torture and great sacrifice, they are instead promised breakthroughs to obtain visas into “Dreamlands” and financial convenience without commensurate labours!
My friend, if it is still all about Jesus, then we should be reminded that Jesus told his disciples, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise”(Mk. 9:30-32).
Yes, “vaulting ambition,” the lust for materialism and the desire for power is revealing the betrayers and the killers who will stop at nothing to get what they want!
But unless such are not wise they should read well again that he said “after three days he will rise!” Don’t be afraid of those who can kill the flesh but not the spirit!
Submit to the will of God for him to have his way with you! As you are about to enter the Lent season, be reminded that Lent is a time to reflect on the meaning of sacrificial service and love!
Prayer: “Have thine own way O Lord…” and continue to fulfil your will through the humble of heart! Amen!
Welcome back to work and have a blessed day and week! Peace be with you!