Last Sunday (Jun 9), as we were prayer-walking in Israel, we were astounded to hear that 1 million (or 0.2 million from another source) Hong Kong citizens took to the street to protest against the “Extradition Bill”. By midnight, clashes broke out between some protestors and the police. Heart-broken, we lost no time in drafting a “Prayer Guideline” with our curator staff, urging everyone to earnestly pray for the peace of Hong Kong. It is our hope that people in authority understand the fear and concerns of the public, and even postpone the amendments. With greater humility and openness, may they settle the dispute wisely. Regardless of officials or citizens, we oppose repaying violence with violence. Instead, we advocate a rational, restrained and peaceful dialogue.
As the times are getting darker and harder these days, the Church should take up a greater role to lead brothers and sisters to walk in the will of God. As the message of the “Tree of Life Church” Series pointed out, the one ruling over history is the resurrected Lord who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. He wants churches to rise up to shine as the morning star to give people hope and direction. It is His Spirit and His Word that give us the victory.
Last week, the prayer-walk team in Israel entered Jordan and climbed up Mount Nebo, where God buried Moses. “Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab……Then the Lord said to him, ‘This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’…….’ And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. ” (Deuteronomy 34:1-5)
Before the passing of Moses, God appeared to him on the mountain and showed him the land of Canaan that He had promised the Israelites. God “said,” and it was fulfilled. The original word for “said” is “mouth”, implying that God reigns. Right after we prayed on Mount Nebo according to this verse, a strange cloud in the shape of “mouth” appeared in the sky. Then I knew it was God’s revelation to us that Hong Kong, Taiwan and China would walk together into the Godordained destiny, because God has “said” this and it will definitely be fulfilled.
Dear brothers and sisters, we must continue to pray for our beloved Hong Kong which desperately needs real peace. Acceptance and love are needed in interpersonal relationship; it calls for trust and sincerity between government and citizens; the youth yearn for bright outlook and hope. May our Lord help the Hong Kong government, the chief executive, the officials, and the councilors to hold on to the truth, to do justice and to lead Hong Kong forward in humility and wisdom. As citizens, we should believe that God is the ultimate ruler and hope, who holds us close to His heart and remembers us. • [2019.06.16]