Jesus’ mandate to us

 
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the Year of the Lord’s favour.”  (Luke 4:18, 19) 
 
The above was Jesus’ mission on earth and His mandate to us. When His twelve disciples and the early Christians adhered closely to this mandate by ministering to their community, there was no lack amongst them.  In Isaiah 58, the heart of God our Father would have us to :

• loosen the chains of injustice and untie
• the cords of the yoke
• set the oppressed free and break every yoke
• share your food with the hungry
• provide poor wanderer with shelter and
• clothe the naked.

When we obey the Lord, He has this promise for us. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” (Isaiah 58 : 11,12) 

If we open our eyes to look around, we see many broken families and broken lives.  The needs are just outside our homes, in our workplaces, in coffee shops, in pasar malams and in the streets.  Let us not harden our hearts. Let us be Repairer of Broken Walls and Restorer of Streets with Dwellings for the Lord!

Pr Margaret Loy
Director
Community Excel Services