Que Sera Sera?

In our church’s 66 years of history, we have seen many changes.

What will our church be like post-COVID 19 or in 40 years’ time? Will it still be around for us to celebrate our centenary? Will our church in latter times become “charismatic”? More youth-centric? More community outreaching?

Will our future be que sera sera (whatever will be, will be)?

Let me assure you that our church’s growth and well-being has always weighed heavily on our leaders’ hearts. When we first embarked on our Intentional Disciple-making Church Process some 10 years ago, the vision for our future was bold. Our mission is still the same.

These plans for growth need our active support and participation. Relevant changes will come progressively. And changes are necessary to keep us relevant in the community.

I am convinced that if we set God’s priority over our self-interests and be obedient to His word; then the favour of the Lord will be our portion and our church will be in good hands.

Perhaps we can take a leaf out of the book of Haggai…

Leaving a comfortable and middle-class life in Babylon, the Israelites who returned to Jerusalem set their priorities on rebuilding their comfortable lives and livelihood. There was no urgency to rebuild the temple.

The Lord was not pleased.

Haggai ^1:2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” ³ Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, ⁴ “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, while this house lies in ruins? ⁵ Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. ⁶ You have sown much, and harvested little…. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes…..¹⁰  the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce.”

Put your priorities right!

⁷ “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. ⁸ Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured, says the Lord.”

Obedience is required!

¹² “Then all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him.”

The favour of Lord followed:

^1:13 “Then Haggai,… spoke to the people with the Lord’s message, “I am with you, declares the Lord.” ¹⁴ And the Lord stirred up the spirit… of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God… ^2:6 For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more,… ⁹ The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place, I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.’”

A prayer for YCKC

O Lord, I commit the present and future leadership unto you. May you grant them wisdom as they care for the flock and plan for the future of the church, may your favour rest upon YCKC and may we not only be a beacon for your honour and glory but also a fragrance of your grace and love. With your blessings may YCKC be so blessed as to be able to come and celebrate a grand centenary in honour of you. We bless your great name, amen!

By Brother Shi Pau Soon (YCKC Bulletin 11 Oct 2020)