Dear Northside
Overshadowing everything that has and is going on in our nation is the return of tens of thousands of Zimbabweans who have been living in South Africa. Many are returning “home” with nothing. As a church in the northern suburbs, it is easy for us to simply ignore what is happening a few kms away in the city centre. But the Bible calls us to honour the poor.
How different would our world, communities, and homes look if we committed to helping the hurting around us? The writer of Proverbs, typically considered to be King Solomon, penned these words: “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” Proverbs 19:17. There are those who are financially or materially poor. Maybe they were born into a cycle of poverty, have hit hard times, or are physically or mentally sick. Or they are being forced out of South Africa.
But there are also those – as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5 – who are poor in spirit.
Giving generously to those in need, caring for the vulnerable, and living an open-hearted life is the call of every believer. Jesus echoed this theme in Matthew 25, explaining that good works like feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, showing hospitality to strangers, and visiting the sick or incarcerated will not go unnoticed. In fact, when we do such things, we’re actually serving Jesus (Matthew 25:40). How wonderful would it be to end poverty, stop hunger, and witness the day when the world is entirely at peace?
Eventually, Jesus will make all that is wrong right, once and for all. But until then, we get to keep serving Him and loving others every chance we get. No one can do everything, but we all can do something. Genuine followers of Jesus will be compelled by His Spirit to love the people He’s created. And if that’s not enough, we can believe Him when He says that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). John put it this way: “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” 1 John 3:17.
When we serve God’s people out of obedience, we’re really serving Him!
I think you can see our church theme for this year above – Being a follower of Jesus: obeying His commands. If you would like to help, you can deliver your food or clothing or money to the church office. We will get it to where it needs to go.
We hosted a big funeral here this week for Palesa Matinde, Pindie Nyandoro’s daughter. What a privilege. Our church staff and ministries really did a fantastic job, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and presence. We made God known and God was glorified.
Members, please do not forget the Church Ordinary General Meeting next Sunday after church. You are expected to attend. We welcome non-members to attend and hear about God’s church here at Northside.
God bless, Pastor Gary