’FOR THIS REASON I CAME’
BY M.R. Mahlaule DipTheol
Text: “Now my soul is troubled , and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” John 12: 27, 28.
The first Passover was celebrated in Egypt, North Africa - a continent where Christianity took root before spreading to Europe. Abraham, the father of faith, found refuge in Africa. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus sought safety in Egypt. An African even helped Jesus carry the cross (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21). Let's acknowledge Africa's place in God's story.
However, we can't ignore the painful legacy of missionary excesses. Colonial powers exploited Africa, and some missionaries were complicit. The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) was a political partitioning of Africa, falsely linked to Christian motives. This history wounds many Africans, and we must address it with truth and empathy.
The Eternal Plan
Before creation, two pivotal events shaped eternity: Satan's expulsion from Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17, Luke 10:18) and God's plan for redemption (1 Corinthians 2:7). God's purpose unfolded through Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), leading to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24).
The Law, given in the wilderness, served as a teacher pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:24 NKJV). Scripture testifies of Jesus, who willingly left Heaven to pay for our transgressions (John 3:16, Philippians 2:6-8).
'For This Reason I Came'
Jesus knew His hour had come (John 12:27-28). He could've asked Father to save Him, but declared, "It was for this very reason I came to this hour." Jesus' mission centered on glorifying God's name through obedience (John 17:4).
On Emmaus Road, Jesus explained how Scripture pointed to Him (Luke 24:13-35). Prophets like Isaiah foretold His suffering (Isaiah 53), and lives like Joseph foreshadowed His story (Genesis 37-50).
Apostles shifted Sabbath observance to Sunday, celebrating Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). Jesus' sacrifice inaugurated a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15).
The Passover Connection (Exodus 12:11)
"This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat in haste; it is the LORD'S Passover." (Exodus 12:11)
In Exodus 12:11, Israelites were to eat the Passover meal ready for departure, symbolising readiness to follow God's deliverance. For Christians, Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). His blood saves us from spiritual death (Romans 5:8-9).
As Christians, we're called to live in readiness, "cloak tucked into belt, sandals on feet, staff in hand" - prepared for God's work (Ephesians 6:14-15, 1 Peter 1:13). We're pilgrims, moving toward eternal home (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Reconciling History and Faith
Africans rightly question the intertwining of colonialism and Christianity. Yet, Jesus' message transcends human failures. In Christ, Africa finds redemption - not through Western imposition, but through the Gospel's power (Romans 1:16).
Jesus said, "For this reason I came" - to reconcile all people to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Africa's story, like the Prodigal's, is one of return to Father's heart (Luke 15:11-32).
To gain from Christ's sacrifice, come as you are to the foot of the Cross (Isaiah 1:18, Romans 3:22-25). Accept what He achieved, and live for Him (Romans 12:1-2).
Jesus said, "For this reason I came" - for you, for me, for salvation. Respond to His love.
BY M.R. Mahlaule DipTheol
Text: “Now my soul is troubled , and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” John 12: 27, 28.
The first Passover was celebrated in Egypt, North Africa - a continent where Christianity took root before spreading to Europe. Abraham, the father of faith, found refuge in Africa. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus sought safety in Egypt. An African even helped Jesus carry the cross (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21). Let's acknowledge Africa's place in God's story.
However, we can't ignore the painful legacy of missionary excesses. Colonial powers exploited Africa, and some missionaries were complicit. The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) was a political partitioning of Africa, falsely linked to Christian motives. This history wounds many Africans, and we must address it with truth and empathy.
The Eternal Plan
Before creation, two pivotal events shaped eternity: Satan's expulsion from Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17, Luke 10:18) and God's plan for redemption (1 Corinthians 2:7). God's purpose unfolded through Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), leading to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24).
The Law, given in the wilderness, served as a teacher pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:24 NKJV). Scripture testifies of Jesus, who willingly left Heaven to pay for our transgressions (John 3:16, Philippians 2:6-8).
'For This Reason I Came'
Jesus knew His hour had come (John 12:27-28). He could've asked Father to save Him, but declared, "It was for this very reason I came to this hour." Jesus' mission centered on glorifying God's name through obedience (John 17:4).
On Emmaus Road, Jesus explained how Scripture pointed to Him (Luke 24:13-35). Prophets like Isaiah foretold His suffering (Isaiah 53), and lives like Joseph foreshadowed His story (Genesis 37-50).
Apostles shifted Sabbath observance to Sunday, celebrating Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). Jesus' sacrifice inaugurated a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15).
The Passover Connection (Exodus 12:11)
"This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat in haste; it is the LORD'S Passover." (Exodus 12:11)
In Exodus 12:11, Israelites were to eat the Passover meal ready for departure, symbolising readiness to follow God's deliverance. For Christians, Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). His blood saves us from spiritual death (Romans 5:8-9).
As Christians, we're called to live in readiness, "cloak tucked into belt, sandals on feet, staff in hand" - prepared for God's work (Ephesians 6:14-15, 1 Peter 1:13). We're pilgrims, moving toward eternal home (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Reconciling History and Faith
Africans rightly question the intertwining of colonialism and Christianity. Yet, Jesus' message transcends human failures. In Christ, Africa finds redemption - not through Western imposition, but through the Gospel's power (Romans 1:16).
Jesus said, "For this reason I came" - to reconcile all people to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Africa's story, like the Prodigal's, is one of return to Father's heart (Luke 15:11-32).
To gain from Christ's sacrifice, come as you are to the foot of the Cross (Isaiah 1:18, Romans 3:22-25). Accept what He achieved, and live for Him (Romans 12:1-2).
Jesus said, "For this reason I came" - for you, for me, for salvation. Respond to His love.
’FOR THIS REASON I CAME’
BY M.R. Mahlaule DipTheol
Text: “Now my soul is troubled , and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” John 12: 27, 28.
The first Passover was celebrated in Egypt, North Africa - a continent where Christianity took root before spreading to Europe. Abraham, the father of faith, found refuge in Africa. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus sought safety in Egypt. An African even helped Jesus carry the cross (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21). Let's acknowledge Africa's place in God's story.
However, we can't ignore the painful legacy of missionary excesses. Colonial powers exploited Africa, and some missionaries were complicit. The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) was a political partitioning of Africa, falsely linked to Christian motives. This history wounds many Africans, and we must address it with truth and empathy.
The Eternal Plan
Before creation, two pivotal events shaped eternity: Satan's expulsion from Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17, Luke 10:18) and God's plan for redemption (1 Corinthians 2:7). God's purpose unfolded through Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), leading to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24).
The Law, given in the wilderness, served as a teacher pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:24 NKJV). Scripture testifies of Jesus, who willingly left Heaven to pay for our transgressions (John 3:16, Philippians 2:6-8).
'For This Reason I Came'
Jesus knew His hour had come (John 12:27-28). He could've asked Father to save Him, but declared, "It was for this very reason I came to this hour." Jesus' mission centered on glorifying God's name through obedience (John 17:4).
On Emmaus Road, Jesus explained how Scripture pointed to Him (Luke 24:13-35). Prophets like Isaiah foretold His suffering (Isaiah 53), and lives like Joseph foreshadowed His story (Genesis 37-50).
Apostles shifted Sabbath observance to Sunday, celebrating Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). Jesus' sacrifice inaugurated a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15).
The Passover Connection (Exodus 12:11)
"This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat in haste; it is the LORD'S Passover." (Exodus 12:11)
In Exodus 12:11, Israelites were to eat the Passover meal ready for departure, symbolising readiness to follow God's deliverance. For Christians, Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). His blood saves us from spiritual death (Romans 5:8-9).
As Christians, we're called to live in readiness, "cloak tucked into belt, sandals on feet, staff in hand" - prepared for God's work (Ephesians 6:14-15, 1 Peter 1:13). We're pilgrims, moving toward eternal home (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Reconciling History and Faith
Africans rightly question the intertwining of colonialism and Christianity. Yet, Jesus' message transcends human failures. In Christ, Africa finds redemption - not through Western imposition, but through the Gospel's power (Romans 1:16).
Jesus said, "For this reason I came" - to reconcile all people to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Africa's story, like the Prodigal's, is one of return to Father's heart (Luke 15:11-32).
To gain from Christ's sacrifice, come as you are to the foot of the Cross (Isaiah 1:18, Romans 3:22-25). Accept what He achieved, and live for Him (Romans 12:1-2).
Jesus said, "For this reason I came" - for you, for me, for salvation. Respond to His love.
0 Comments
0 Shares
20 Views
Arabic
French
Spanish
Portuguese
Deutsch
Turkish
Dutch
Italiano
Russian
Romaian
Portuguese (Brazil)
Greek
हिन्दी