Hope of Jubilee

Forward by Rev. Chan Theam Lai, NECF Secretary General

The Jubilee celebration for Malaysia begins on 16 September 2012 and Christians are looking forward to a great year of divine intervention to bring forth multiple blessings to the nation. From historical records and the study on Leviticus 25, Jubilee is the 50th year under God’s covenant with the people for the release of debts, the return of those in slavery, and the restoration of land back to its original owners. Jubilee is thus a system within Israelite society for transformation, renewal and blessings that will bring forth hope and rest to the nation.

Having faced one contentions issue after another regarding the Christian faith over the last 12 months, we await a refreshing touch from God to lift us up beyond our human concerns. Equality and religious liberty are the missing factors that cause many citizens to examine the constitution to seek fairness against injustice and an oppressive system. Nevertheless, in the midst of our frustrations as we face unending attacks on our faith, God is good as He rains the hope and promises of Jubilee upon the Christian community. We look to God knowing that He is sovereign and will intervene as we submit and obey His call to us in this nation.

God never fails! Let us arise to pray for the transformation of this nation, build our church to be strong and engage and bless the community to make our presence significant. Together, let’s unite our hearts, share our resources, intercede for one another (Colossians 1: 9-12), stop complaining and start ploughing the field (Malaysia) for the Lord. As we obey and respond to God’s challenges, He will find favour with us and indeed pour forth His Jubilee blessings upon our land, not only in 2012 but for many years to come.

Dear Believers, God is calling us from the East and the West to open our hearts, hear His call, receives His blessings and let Him be our Lord. We are to put our differences aside, stop finding fault and explore ways to honour Him by loving one another as He has repeatedly reminds us in 1 John 3: 11; 4: 7,8,16. Is anything too hard for God? Our God is almighty, He is able and willing to bless as we pray and submit to Him. Let’s rejoice and celebrate!