“I pray that the spirit of hate, prejudice, fanaticism, exclusion and other forces of evil whither this year like a tree in the desert. I ask God to lead us in the path of love, forgiveness, restoration and reconciliation. Amen.”-Panti
In his New Year Message to Nigerians,the President of Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Archbishop Musa Panti Filibus, PhD has described the present situation of the country as “things falls apart” and a fallen world,he prayed the year 2020 be a year of peace for the nation.
He continue to pray that all those God has entrusted the constitutional responsibilities to steer the affairs of this nation rise up for justice and peace.
“I pray that the spirit of hate, prejudice, fanaticism, exclusion and other forces of evil whither this year like a tree in the desert. I ask God to lead us in the path of love, forgiveness, restoration and reconciliation. Amen.” Panti Prayed
While making reference with the book of Luke 23:34,he encouraged that despite how things are fallen apart Nigerians do not live as godless and hopeless people because those that bear the name of Jesus must order their lives after Christ daily,who went about doing good,teaching and having compassion on the Sons and Daughters of Men.
“Church, we do not proclaim a God who is full of hate, rage and anger. We do not worship a God who sends thunder and fire to destroy whoever does wrong. But a God who loves tenderly and calls us to repentance. We are named Christians, after God’s Son who in the face of worst evil still prayed saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Godlessness seem to be in the increase. It is sad that we are increasing in disarray. It is like Chinua Achebe says in his book, things fall apart: “Turning and turning in the widening gyre; The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world…”
“May the Lord who is given the name Jesus, the Savior carry us throughout the year 2020. Even when things seem to be falling apart, let the name Jesus remain our anchor. As we celebrate a new year, let us hold no confidence in resolutions.”
“Let us not trust in ourselves. But trust in God’s continuing love for us. God sent the promised savior and we trust that we will have a great New Year because we trust in the name of Jesus.” He further prayed
Panti who is also the Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) worried on how Lawlessness and anarchy seems to be in the increase in the country, communities and religious Circles.
According to him those things that people considered so dear that held them together are no longer holding. The center in government, in the regions, in all religious organizations,and even in the political organizations do not seem to hold anymore.
The new year message go on to read that:
” I wish to begin by remembering our sisters and brothers that have died in the year 2019, particularly those that were murdered by terrorists and fully armed men under the euphemism of herdsmen and other terrible deaths in the hands of fellow human beings. With deep sadness and sorrow, we remember those that were murdered on Christmas Day…
I equally want to remember and pay special tribute to members of the Nigerian security forces and other security men and women who lost their lives or wounded in the course of keeping watch over the nation and its people. We pray for all the families of the deceased. May God console them and grant them grace to bear the irreparable loss of their loved ones. For the sake of their blood, may almighty God hear our prayers for peace. Amen.
“Now as we begin a new year, some people may be filled with anxiety. They wonder — What will the new year bring? Will it be a good year or a bad year? Will I stay healthy? Will I have a job? Will I be able to pay my children’s school fees? Many may have made many predictions and resolutions. Preachers issued out invitations for people to come and be blessed … Many hope to make their own lives better by changing themselves and relationships.
“Whatever the situation, we can march into the future with hope, because we have a foundation upon which we are standing, not on slippery ground. Luke 2:21 tells us, eight days after Jesus was born, he was circumcised according to the law and covenant of God and HE is given His name — Jesus. I would like to focus on the name that He has been given. The name Jesus (Greek) is the name that God His father chose for Him and delivered to Mary by the angel Gabriel. The name means, “The Lord saves”. IN Hebrew, it is Jeshua. Jeshua reminds us of the Old Testament story of the Exodus. After God delivered Israel out of Egypt. He guided them through the desert for forty years at the hands of Moses. But Moses was not allowed into the promised land. After his death, God gave them a leader, Jeshua, to guide them into the promised land. Like Jeshua led the people to the promised land, Jesus, has come to lead Gods people out of the desert of sin and death and out of the domination of the devil.
“In Christ, our sinful flesh is put away and we are made perfect in Jesus. We receive Gods salvation for free, not because of our good works or piety. It is God’s grace. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 says, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.But God’s grace must be received by faith in Jesus Christ. And those who have received him must live in newness of life as “heirs of salvation.” We do not live as though there is no God. The Bible says, it is only fools who think there is no God. Psalms 14:1-3 says, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
