Y4K

TROWEL & SWORD

Resources - Leadership

December 1999

SWORD - DEFENDING

Y4K

David Groenenboom

What will happen on December 31, 1999? Will the minister’s pulpit self destruct, having been built before the latest Year 2000 compliant designs? Will the organ give up its ghost? Will King Peppermints still taste as good? With all the hype about Y2K – some of which we should be taking notice of – what effects will there be on the Church?

Maybe we don’t pay too much attention to alarmist and extremist voices – good thing! If the truth be known, we’re probably assuming life will go on as normal. We’ll wake up on Jan 01, 2000 and the birds will be singing, the sun will be shining (unless you live in Melbourne) and the green grass will be growing all around. People will be eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, etc. etc.

The question is, should we expect life to carry on “as normal”? For the Christian this is never an option. Christ through His word calls us to growth in His likeness and ongoing reflection of His image and will (Col 3; Eph 4). The church, likewise, is called to service and mission, proclaiming Christ’s salvation to the ends of the earth and discipling all nations (Matt 28:18-20).

We should therefore be thinking less about Y2K and whatever it holds for our technological world, and more about Y4K: the year for the Kingdom. I know, every year should be a year for Christ and His Kingdom, by why not capitalise on the millennial expectation and plan now to make 2000 the year for the Kingdom?

I say this for a number of reasons.

One: by just about any measure, we are more materially blessed than 90% of the world’s population. What do we use our enormous financial resources for? Kingdom, or more for self? On the Great Day, what will your church car parks say about the way you have used your wealth? Even smaller congregations of say 100 people have an average of $300,000 worth of cars sitting there once or twice a Sunday. Let me encourage you to make some plans now to change a few life priorities and make 2000 a year for the Kingdom. Use a few more of those talents for the Master’s business instead of for your own.

Two: we also happen to be very busy people. How much of your busy-ness relates to things which are truly important? Is there room to reorganise your diary so you have time for special Kingdom service next year? Would you be prepared to miss a part of that holiday to spend that time working for an outreach or mission project, or to set up a diaconal project in your local church? After all, whose time is it?

Three: proclaiming the Kingdom has always been part of our faith language and theology. AD 2000 is a ripe opportunity to bring it more into our individual and communal faith expression. It is also why we can be proud to own the vision outlined in the last few T&S issues. Sessions, cell groups, youth and other groups need to consider courageously what the Lord would have them do to proclaim Christ’s Kingdom better in their community.

The year 2000 should be a year where our being reformed in Australia comes into its own. It is time for us to show that we do not operate out of self interest or the desire to protect our own comforts. Contrary to popular Y2K hype, it is time for us to show that we are not at the mercy of random chaotic forces, but that we are owned and loved by The King of the Universe. Jesus Christ is no mere figure from the past. He is today’s Saviour and the future’s Redeemer. The year 2000 belongs to Him and is given to us to proclaim His Gospel and Kingdom.

Jesus the King transforms how we view our nation (Republic or not). He guides our responses to the questions of substance abuse and homeless young people. His Word calls us to challenge the pride and greed of the banks and big business. He drives us to compassionate, responsible and humble responses to the continued degradation of our indigenous community. At the very least, the claims of His Kingdom should get us considering how the Olympics might possibly benefit Sydney’s poor, single mothers, or care for the aged. His death and resurrection empowers believers to follow His calling.

AD 2000 – the year for the Kingdom. A significant challenge for a significant year. Why not get some people together, develop some vision, commit it to prayer, and start planning. Sure, it’s a lot of work, but what else are we here for? We have everything to gain, and little or nothing to lose, except perhaps something of our comfort and lifestyle.

All reports of problems and comments concerning this site: webmaster@trowelandsword.org.au

Privacy