Words by our Priest-in-Charge:
Connected to the source
“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2
The 13th General Election of Malaysia has been the talk of the whole country in the past week. Many consider this as the most challenging election for the nation since our independence. Certainly it is going to be a very decisive election for the future of this nation. Whatever the outcome may be, this nation needs healing in many sense – socially, morally, economically and spiritually.
What role can we play as the Church?
I was praying to the Lord and listening to Him one day. The words “healing to the nations” came to my mind. These words are found in Revelation 22:2. It speaks of the tree of life which leaves are for the healing of the nations. Many consider this tree of life is connected to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and in Ezekiel. The very fact that these leaves were specifically mentioned for the healing of the nations tells us that nations need healing. Where healing is needed, there is brokenness. In order for the tree of life to yield leaves that bring healing, it must be planted by the water, by the river of water of life. Jesus is clearly the water o life. I believe the Church could be likened to the tree of life. What comes out as the expression and evidence of the abundant life of Jesus in us would actually bring healing to a broken world. However, the tree must always be connected to the source of life. It must be in a position to absorb that life, constantly.
We as the Church of Jesus are called to bring healing to this nation. We can try to do many things, organize many meetings, conduct all sorts of training, we may even try to do everything right. All these would not necessarily yield fruits and leaves that heal, unless we are constantly connected to the river of the water of life. Consistency in our growth in the Lord is utmost important. Maintaining a regular time with the Lord matters. For a tree to reach out to the water source, its root needs to grow towards that source. Likewise, in our walk with the Lord, we need to constantly look to the Lord, our source of life, to know what it means to live a godly life in a godly order. Only when the Church is healthy, and healthily connected to Jesus, we could live out our destiny. Therefore, our prayer life must be consistent. Our studying of God’s words must be consistent. Our spending time with the Lord must consistent. There is no shortcut in establishing that link.
We are the tree of life in this nation. Are you connected to the river of the water of life?