Why Magufuli administration misses the point on Government splurge

Why Magufuli administration misses the point on Government splurge

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The Benefits of Being Rebuked

I never enjoy being rebuked by someone else, but over time I have come to see the faithful rebuke of a friend as something of great value. The Scriptures tell us that the right kind of rebuke is an important way in which God cares for us, and in which we can care for each other.
 
Psalm 141:1–10

The kind rebuke

There have been times in my life when people have rebuked me out of kindness. It is never easy at the time. But, on reflection, I am so grateful to them. David regards the rebuke of the righteous person as kindness – like ‘oil on my head’ (v.5), because his desire is that not only his head, but every part of his body and his life, should honour God:

Lift your hands

‘May the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice’ (v.2). The lifting of hands to God symbolises an opening of the whole body to God.

Guard your lips

‘Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips’ (v.3). I often pray this before I give a talk or go into a meeting – that God will protect me from saying anything unhelpful, and that my words will be an encouragement and a blessing.

Watch your heart

‘Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil’ (v.4a). Your thoughts become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your character. Your character becomes your life. It all starts in your heart.

Fix your eyes

‘My eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord’ (v.8a). We are urged to ‘fix our eyes on Jesus’ (Hebrews 12:2).

Lord, I lift my hands and voice to you in worship and fix my eyes upon you. Set a guard over my mouth and lips and keep my heart from evil.
 
Esther 2:19–5:14

The wise rebuke

My father was Jewish and many of my Jewish family perished in the concentration camps during the holocaust.
But anti-Semitism is not a recent phenomenon. Here in the book of Esther, set in the fifth century BC, we read of appalling anti-Semitism. Esther had to keep her background a secret (2:20). Haman wanted to ‘annihilate all the Jews – young and old, women and little children – on a single day… and to plunder their goods’ (3:13).
Mordecai’s response was to tear his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and wail loudly and bitterly (4:1). Effectively, he was calling on God for help.
Mordecai realised that Esther, his adopted daughter, was in a position to make a difference. Esther pointed out the problems of her situation, and how it would be very difficult for her to help (vv.9–11).
Mordecai’s response was in effect the wise rebuke of a parent: ‘Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’ (vv.13–14).
Esther realised that God had put her in that position for a purpose. You too have a purpose. Many people go through life without meaning or ultimate purpose, trying to pursue their own agenda – not realising that God’s purposes are so much better. You are alive today in order to fulfil God’s purposes for this generation. Whatever position you are in, believe that you are there ‘for such a time as this’.
Esther listened to Mordecai’s wise words. She asked the people to fast for her and said, ‘I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish’ (v.16). There is risk involved. We only have one life. We have to go for it. If we perish, we perish. But better to take the risk than never to have tried. May we rather be like Esther – utterly dependent on God and willing to risk our lives to save the lives of others.

Lord, help me to listen to wise and kind rebukes. As I go through the refiner’s fire, purify my heart, that I may love you more fully, seize every opportunity of life and serve you wholeheartedly.
 
Pippa Adds

Esther 2:19–5:14
Esther was not just a pretty face. She was someone in the right place willing to make a daring stand against injustice. She didn’t do it alone and she didn’t rush in. She prayed, planned, and made it happen at the right moment. She used a brilliant mixture of bravery, faith and skill.
Are there any opportunities for you to make a stand against injustice?
 
I believe
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When people fear the regime it means they are not free and if that is the case it means the regime is illegitimate that's why it is resorting to intimidation, abductions, blackmail to hang on...
IMG_20201219_070813_785.jpg
 
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