‘for my names sake…’

The first rainbow was given as a  sign of promise, hope and renewal (Gen 9:12-17). I guess these sentiments were the the intention of those who dubbed South Africa as the rainbow nation. Sadly, the rainbow nation is proving to be less promising, hopeful or colourful than we all hoped it could be.

To be honest I want to leave…

Not because i don’t like the country, on the contrary I think it is one of the best possible places (in the world) to live. Rather, my desire to leave is fuelled by the daily mockery that is made of human rights, free speech and democracy.

I am appalled that our government whose God given responsibility is to restrain sin, disorder and violence and protect the poor, weak and vulnerable are the very ones who promote sin, disorder and violence at the expense of the poor, weak and vulnerable.

In the words of the Hebrew prophet Habakkuk I call out to God:

How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence!" I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed and useless, and there is no justice given in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, and justice is perverted with bribes and trickery. (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT)

My desperate longing for integrity and justice remains unfilled, my prayers seem unanswered… Many echo Job’s wife sentiments “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” I cannot. While my resolve to stay the course and endure hardship and suffering for His name sake may falter. My faith in His character will not.

"The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,  maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation."
(Exodus 34:6-7 TNIV)

His words of encouragement to me:

“I am concerned for you and will look on you with favour… This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake… but for the sake of my holy name…” (Ezekiel 36:9, 22 TNIV)