Idaci

This week Sunday we are going to Idaci, we have been there only once but it is a growing place with a large church and a school. There is also a school in Maretu and Mazame where Bill and Alie Hart lived and worked. Dave and Jan  Dykgraaf spent many years living and working in Idaci.

Today I am working on an Easter sermon for Idaci, of course the sermon is to be in Hausa but I need to reflect on it in English. Ps.118 is a prayer and a hymn of thanksgiving for salvation from the kings and the people’s enemies. I assume it to be a prayer of David but it could also be a liturgical hymn for one of the feasts. What is significant is that there are messianic elements proclaimed by the author under the influence of the Holy Spirit. I am only applying verses 21 – 26; certainly the cornerstone is God’s salvation; Jesus Christ confirmed in both the Old Test. Isa.28:16 and the New Test. I Pet 2:4-8. The Lord our God has done this and it is marvelous. In anticipation of Easter the Psalmist rejoices in the day of the Lord; “This is the day that Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Indeed, today is a day for rejoicing. Here also is echoed the cries of the worshipers at Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem proclaiming him King; the same people a day or two later scream “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Fast forward Easter Morning. Matt. 28:1-10. Two women, both named Mary, followers of Jesus, head for the tomb but there is an earthquake at about the time they arrive. The soldiers sent to guard the tomb are lying on the ground as dead men. A powerful angel as bright as lightning had moved the stone and is sitting on it. The women stare in amazement. They are afraid but know they have no reason to be, God is good, merciful, compassionate, and is our salvation. “You are looking for Jesus, he is not here, and he has risen as he told you. Now go and tell his disciples” the angel commands them. Before they go very far Jesus meets them, when they realize it is Jesus they worship in awe. Are we in awe this Easter morning? Does our worship reflect our awe and joy? Jesus gives them a command as well: “Go and tell my brothers” He tells them to meet him in Galilee. When Jesus meets them he gives us all a command: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded  you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Are we listening?