Lent Through African EyesSample
Leadership and Repentance
Sometimes our pride at being God’s chosen people can prevent us from taking the sin in our lives seriously. When God calls us to repent and believe, do we respond like the king of Nineveh or the crowds around Jesus?
From an Africa Study Bible application note:
The people of Nineveh repented and declared a fast. The king declared it for the whole city. Some African countries pronounce days of prayer and fasting, but conditions do not improve. So calling for prayer and fasting is not enough. Both leaders and the people need to repent truly and embody righteousness. When they do, conditions will improve and God’s judgement can be averted. Most of our communities esteem their leaders so highly that reaching leaders with the Good News can influence masses. People respond to the gospel in large numbers. Like the people of Nineveh, African hearts are always ripe for God’s message. Pray that God will raise up leaders to bring the gospel to receptive hearts.
Today:
Pray for the top leadership in your country. Pray that they will be responsive to the Word of God, lead the nation in righteousness and humility, humbly seek God’s forgiveness on their own behalf and on behalf of the nation, and model repentance to the nation.
Scripture
About this Plan
Africans throughout history have shaped Christian thought and contemplative practice. Starting Ash Wednesday, explore the Lenten themes of prayer, fasting, repentance, and alms-giving. Sojourn with Jesus’ disciples from his baptism to Holy Week. Abide with him in temptation. Hear the crowd shout—celebrating, then condemning. Watch Simon of Cyrene carry the cross. Witness the crucifixion with Mary. Join a biblical pilgrimage to prepare your heart for Jesus’ passion and resurrection.
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