Article of Faith

An Easter Reflection for Nigerian Politicians -By Emeka Ogbuju

Published

8 years ago

March 28, 2016

PIC.23. SENATE CHAMBER DURING THE INAUGURATION OF THE 8TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY (9/6/15).
3023/9/6/2015/CH/BJO/NAN

Dear Senator,

It is my pleasure to bring an Easter message to you and indeed to all the distinguished Christian Honourable Members of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Calvary greetings!

This is my third Easter message and it is specially and respectfully addressed to you this Easter Monday. Let us take a reflection from the book of Mark 15:43 which reads: “Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus…(and Pilate gave the body to Joseph)”

Joseph was a fellow honourable member representing the Jewish people under the Federal Constituency of Arimathaea. He was a politician and a Christian indeed. When all the friends of Jesus including his church leaders abandoned him, Joseph stood with him unto death. In fact, he performed his burial boldly. And the scriptures recorded that even though he was among the political class, he was not in agreement with the executive and senatorial decisions to arrest and kill Jesus without a proper trial, fair hearing and adequate evidences.

Joseph was a Christian in politics and there are a number of things we can learn from him this Easter.

1. Represent Jesus. I want you to understand that you were not just elected by the people; Jesus appointed you to be there. When the time of need arises, represent him! Nigeria is in need of Christian politicians who can stand against unrighteousness, speak against evil and act for the good of the course of Christ. You are there to represent Christ. You are there as an ambassador of Christ. People are watching you and sometimes they wonder ‘do we have Christian politicians at all?’ Please, show them you are one.

2. Be bold. Do not be afraid to speak the truth. Do not be politically correct and ‘Christianly’ wrong. I do not say you should carry religion into politics but I am saying that you should not forget the basic tenets of your faith which are justice, mercy and truth. Senator Joseph of Arimathaea was a man of truth and boldness in the midst of a corrupt generation. It can only take boldness for a distinguished senator to demand for the body of a ‘condemned criminal’. Do not keep quiet and allow ungodly laws be made. When you can’t help it, at least stand against it. Let not your vote be counted among those who support those things that will not promote the course of Christ.

3. Senator Joseph was noted for ‘waiting for the Kingdom of God’ not just being an honorable member. Remember the kingdom of God in all your dealings. Do not allow shame to the Christian faith. Any law that do not promote the kingdom of God here in Nigeria is not worth making. Remember Jesus taught us to pray ‘thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’. Promote heavenly laws; laws that portrays love and peaceful coexistence between the Christians and the Muslims alike. Where there is peace, there is progress and prosperity.

Dear Senator, Sir, please feel free to share this message with all your colleagues. I desire that every Christian in both the State and National Assemblies should have this Easter reflection.

Happy Easter Monday, Sir.

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