Lenten greetings! - Pastor's Letter February 19, 2021

Even a cursory reading of the Old Testament books of Exodus toDeuteronomy, would convey the sense that God is a God of order. Some ofthe instructions to the Jewish people were so specific and particular. Anythingsacrificed was to be “without blemish”. Persons officiating and participatingin religious services were to be ceremonially clean.

So often in my readings of those Old Testament passages, I find myself saying,I thank God for Jesus. You see, because of the death of Jesus, many of the OldTestament laws and requirements, no longer apply. The writer to the book ofHebrews, made the point that “the law is only a shadow of the good thingsthat are coming, not the realities themselves” (Hebrews 10:1). The reality towhich the writer referred was Jesus Christ.

His death on the cross satisfied God’s demand for a perfect sacrifice. Unlikethe old sacrificial system, Jesus did not need to sacrifice annually. Once wasenough. We now benefit from that one sacrifice offered at Calvary. Eastercelebrations remind us of that truth – once was enough.

This week, that “once was enough” season began with Ash Wednesday andthe start of the Lenten season – a forty-day pre-Easter season. During thistime, may we never forget that the ceremonial requirements of the OldTestament are no longer necessary. Jesus died and that was enough to satisfyGod’s demands.

However, from the Old Testament requirements we learn that God demandsstructure and holiness in our corporate worship. Mediocrity, apathy andimpurity were unacceptable. The same should be said of our corporateworship activities. That explains our attempt to pursue our “excellence inworship” programme last Sunday.

We will continue that effort this Sunday. We will aim to be punctual. We willbe more intentional to ensure smoother transitions in our delivery and to useour music to reflect the diversity in our congregation. Our theme of Parentingwill be reflected in the children and parents that participate. And, thepreacher, Mr Kevin Bailey, is ably qualified to address the topic. He is ahusband, a father, a Counselling Psychologist and a man with a heart for God.

I am so sorry that Launa and I will be absent. We will be ministering atanother church in the city and would value your prayers. We will also missMother Emily Grant. This week she was admitted to hospital having hadanother stroke. She too would value our prayers.

Have a blessed week. Live jubilantly by sharing your joy with others.