BUILDING FAMILIES FOR GOD’S PURPOSE (JOSHUA 24:14,15)
The Very. Rev. Michael Mukhwana
Good Morning Saint, and Happy New Year! Welcome aboard 2017! We thank the Lord for ushering us into this new year; and I have no doubt that our Father in heaven, has wonderful plans for us in 2017, and that there are things in our individual lives, families, church and
nation that He would like to accomplish, if the saints will walk in obedience, cooperate with the Holy Spirit and also pray (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Last year, the Provincial Assembly declared that this year would be the year of the family.
As fate would have it, the government also later declared 2017, a family year. I am sure that as we read all this, some of us are asking, ‘what are the implications or perhaps the significance of all these declarations?’ How is this likely to play out, both in the church and the nation? In my view, these declarations clearly indicate that both the church and the state acknowledge the family, as an essential instrument in bringing about a fundamental transformation in any given society. This is so, because it is through the family that the values that preserve human existence are passed on; it is also the family that provides that secure environment where potential leaders are raised, and where godly culture is nurtured and passed on to the next generation. Secondly, this move also recognizes the fact that the families have become so vulnerable to satanic attack, and hence the need to be intentional in strengthening the family. The prophetic teaching on the ‘Seven Mountains’ also acknowledges the family as being critical in the establishment of God’s Kingdom and purposes. The other spheres of influence are: Media/entertainment, business/economy, government/politics, Education, Religion and Culture.
Joshua, the great spiritual leader (Commander), in trying to refocus the Israelite nation on to the Lord once said, “Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But
if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14,15). In declaring so, Joshua demonstrates a deep understanding of God’s purpose for the family. In
taking a definite stand for the Lord, Joshua again displayed his spiritual leadership. Regardless of what others decided, Joshua had made a commitment to God, and he was willing to set the example of living by that decision. The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving God. As we cross over, am sure that all of us have New Year’s resolutions. Will you choose today who you will serve in 2017, as we place the family institution in God’s hands?
The Very Rev. Canon Michael Mukhwana
PROVOST