Minister’s Note 9 April
“put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13).
Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas recently said: “Ultimately I think the future of South Africa is in the hands of South Africans. All of us, all of those who live and work in South Africa. Our future is in our hands. One day when people look at history and they say all of us, as clever as we are, bright as we are, and they say the country was stolen, that will be sad.”[1]
There have many calls for citizens to “take a stand”. For Christians taking a stand has a particular meaning. It requires a sober realisation that evil is at work within institutions. When arrogance displaces accountability evil thrives; lies, injustice, hostility and hopelessness take root. But we are clothed with truth, justice, peace and faith (Eph. 6:14-16). And our primary function is to pray: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18).
One day when people look at our history may they say: “They stood their ground and they prayed!”
God Bless,
Sean
[1] https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-04-06-reshuffle-chronicles-we-expected-to-be-fired-jonas/#.WOdCxBhh2Rs