Great architectural edifices take time to conceptualise, plan and build. More often than not, what is seen and appreciated is the finished project, but not the efforts behind it. It is the same way the joy and arrival of a baby beclouds the mother’s travails during conception, pregnancy and delivery.
Jesus Christ, our role model, typifies this truth. He spent 33 years to fulfil his earthly ministry, out of which only three years were for the actual manifestation; the rest being for preparation. We have an account of the beginning of his manifestation when he turned water into wine at the wedding ceremony - John 2:11 AMP “This, the first of His signs (attesting miracles), Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory [displaying His deity and His great power openly], and His disciples believed [confidently] in Him [as the Messiah—they adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him]”.
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John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus also went through a period of preparation - Luke 1: 80 “So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel”. At the completion of the earthly ministry of Jesus, he alluded to the great commission but asked the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they are endued with power (Luke 24:49). The manifestation of this preparation is seen in Acts chapter two with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the New Testament church.
Particularly since Covid-19 broke out in 2020; businesses, churches, organisations and individuals have been going through a period of reinvention and repositioning to respond to the contemporary challenges. The year 2023, provides a platform to move on and achieve greater heights; politically, socially, economically and more importantly, spiritually. As a nation, Nigeria stands at a turning point to get it right as we prepare for the election of a new government.
Our theme for 2023 is “Divine Manifestation”, and God is calling us to arise and shine in our individual and corporate capacities - “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn” (Isaiah 60:1-3)
We will explore this theme in our five-part series for the month of January. What are those projects and aspirations you have been conceptualising, planning and working on? As they say in Theatre, it is show time! This is the time to showcase them, not just for your benefit, but for the rest of humanity and service of God. God has made the grace available to achieve them. Join us this and every Sunday as we explore the theme.
God bless you.
#Manifest #Arise #Shine #Achieve #Demonstrate #EdenSquareChristianAssembly #DecemberSeries #EdenSquareTv #BasilChukwuezi #JoinUsThisSunday
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