Monday, March 20, 2023

In my Nigerian setting, the phrase “pass away” expresses two scenarios: annihilation, as in death, and the old ways and paradigms giving way to the new. The Greek for “pass away” is “parerchomai,” which means to change from one condition or state to another. In this context, this verse allows no place for argument: While Heaven and Earth will be changed (Heb. 1:10- 12; 12:25-28), be renovated by fire (2 Pet. 3:5-7, 10-14), and renewed (Rev. 21:1), God’s Word will not be changed. This is a revelation of the imminence of the end of the present world and an assertion and assurance of the immutability of His Word. The Nigerian Church faces challenges of insecurity, banditry, and persecutions, and we tend to despair. But this verse says to live according to the Word, not the world, so we can take heart!

Haggai sharpened my leadership and counseling skills, positively influencing my mission-response and, in my current work, has helped me develop Christian and community leaders in my area of influence.