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For Others ~ 1 John 3:16
| Bro David Yelulani (Banket, Zimbabwe)
T
he normal human way of life is to grab
what we can for ourselves. We get
money, power, skills, land, resources and
tools for our own enhancement. We expect
others to do the same. If someone else gets
in our way whilst we are grabbing, then
conflict ensues with the fight going to the
strong. Sometimes we will band together
with others for our mutual benefit.
The way of Jesus was to turn this whole
scheme upside down. He gave himself for
others. He made himself of no reputation
(Philippians 2:7). He set an example for his
disciples to follow. They set out to tell the
world of his sacrificial love. Some of them
died doing it. Some of the arenas in which
they were sent to the lions are still there.
Others spent long, wearying years trudging
the roads of the Roman empire to get the
news of that love to others. Some suffered
imprisonment in the cause of spreading that
love. Some wrote at great length and fought
bitter controversies to ensure that the love
of Jesus would still be known.
Later, others went too far distant conti-
nents, braving nasty weather conditions and
extreme loneliness for their brothers. Yet
others faced angry mobs and other physical
dangers to get the message to those who
needed it. Some renounced wealth, family
love, and personal independence as they
obeyed the man from Galilee and gave
themselves without ever thinking of the
cost.
What are we laying down for others?
W
ith careful reading of this chapter we
find the following teachings:
t Israel’s slavery in Egypt represents us in
the world before baptism.
t In the Red Sea they had water on both
sides of them and a cloud (also water) above
them. In this sense they were
surrounded by water, and so Paul saw
it as a symbol of baptism.
t After coming through the Red Sea
they had to walk through the wilder-
ness (our life in this world after
baptism).
t They were fed on daily manna
(God’s word, Jesus Christ) until they
came to the promised land (the
kingdom of God when Jesus returns).
t Israel failed in the wilderness and
wanted to return into Egypt. We must
Israel in The Wilderness Are Our Warning ~ 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
| Bro Raphael Joni Aim (Bondo, Kenya)
learn from their example so as not to fall
under temptation as they did. Let us not fail
to receive the things we are promised in the
kingdom when Jesus returns.
Bro Julius Ongyango of Mahaya/Olello Ecclesia giving
the right hand of fellowship to the newly-baptized
Bro Ben Nyakure of Dago Ecclesia, at Bondo, while
other members are witnessing the occasion