“Burst Into Songs Of Joy!”

“Burst Into Songs Of Joy!”(Is.52:7-10).
Time and again we have heard the question,“Who cursed Africa?” An African theologian once asked,“Is it because Africa had no Paul?” Even if Africa had a Paul would there have been any difference?
Ethiopia that first received the gospel through the Ethiopian eunuch has now joined the countries of the continent in senseless wars! Back in the homeland which was our dreamland of peace we have been in bloodbath for five full years and counting!
Without Egypt (Africa) the story of salvation would have taken a different turn. Abraham took refuge in Africa(Gen.12:10-20). Israel(Jacob) and his family were given the best part of Egypt to settle in(Gen.41:41-44); to the extent that his son Joseph, a foreigner was elevated to the second highest office of the land(Gen.46). When the life of baby Jesus was being threatened by Herod, Africa offered asylum to him and his parents(Mt.2:13-15).
Has God been using the continent as a safe haven, yet not minding whatever happens to Africans? Not at all! This only demonstrate how important Africa has been to God as her involvement in salvation history reveals. Alexandria was once the pioneering centre of theology, producing some of the early church fathers.
Surely it is not because Africa had no Paul! The story of the people of Israel and their God reveals that the God of good times is still the God of bad times!
When the settled children of Israel were in exile, Isaiah forsaw brigther days when the exiled were to return home.
The all-inclusive God through Jesus Christ remembers all exiled people everywhere. One day he will bring them home.
No matter the gravity of the storm, Jesus stands in our boat to say, “Peace be still!” Jesus the Prince of peace proclaims peace and the good news of salvation. All the ends of the earth will see God’s salvation and wars will cease.
Let us “burst into songs of joy” because the day will come “When from all toil and pain, And sin we shall be free, And perfect love and friendship reign, Through all eternity.”
Prayer of the week: Heavenly Father thank you for blessed assurance of our restoration. Amen!
Welcome back to a new working week! Have a blessed day and week! Peace be with you! Happy New year!
Rev. Babila Fochang.