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“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal throughus. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. Godmade him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”. (2 Cor. 5:20-21 NIV)
In strong statement, St Paul declares: “God made His Son Jesus who was without sin to be sin for the people he loved so that in Him they might become the righteousness of God”.
The golden verse in the gospel according to (John 3:16 NIV) says; For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
In this Season of Lent, we are reminded of the commitment of Jesus’ obedience to His Father who had to go through a difficult road until he completed his mission he was sent to achieve. We are called to follow Jesus’ steps. Therefore, this Lent Season is a time for a journey of faith to recommit our lives afresh to walk in obedience to God as Jesus did. It is a time of prayer, fasting as well as almsgiving to the time of Jesus’ Resurrection at Easter.
During Lent, we are called to pray and to re-connect with God in a new way and to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice for us. Prayer helps to hearing God's voice and in seeking His forgiveness. It is a time for self-reflection and renewal and as we seek to carrying out God's will.
1. We have been Justified by God in Christ
This verse describes how Jesus has taken our sin upon himself, and he has given us His righteousness since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
(2 Cor. 5:20-21; Rom. 5:1)
What does it mean to be justified?
God's Word teaches that by the free gift of God’s grace we have been justified by faith through Jesus Christ who have set us free. All who believe him are set free or justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 3:24–25). However, this redemption and justification are to do with faith and obedience to God. It is important here to have the example of Jesus who was obedient to His Father. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledges that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. (Phil. 2:8-11)
2. We have been Commissioned by God to seek and to find the lost
We are Christ's representatives or ambassadors here on earth. God has commissioned the church to seek men and women to find and to believe in God. Every believer and particularly we as leaders are Christ’s eyes, ears and mouth. We speak for him so that all may become friends with God and to be reconciled to Him.
From the work of the 12 Disciples, the number of believers multiplied in our time today. I understand the number of Christians worldwide is expected to climb from more than 2.52 billion to 2.63 billion, a 1.08% growth. Though the quality is more important than the quantity, these numbers project what God is doing through His Church before and today.
3. We must accept the Call of God
St. Paul urges Christians to a life worthy of their calling. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called”.
(Eph. 4:1-4)
St Paul states the five-fold ministry roles that God called Christians to fulfill. As some
are called to be apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers. (Eph. 4:11)
Jesus called his disciples who accepted the call and because of their believe in him, they obeyed and were able to turn the world upside down by preaching God’s word. Many of them lost their lives because of their faith in him. Their sacrifice was the reason of the expansion of the gospel. We are called to do the same.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, it is my prayer that as the servant leaders of God’s flock, we would recommit our lives in God this Season of Lent. To preach the word of God in season and out of season. We should not fear what ever happens to us because we are in a journey with Jesus. We are not alone. God is with us in this journey and this journey leads to a sure Destiny. God bless you all.
The Most Revd. Ezekiel Kondo
Archbishop of Sudan and Bishop of Khartoum
