Bishop Joshua HK Banda
Beyond the Gathering: Exploring Mandate Guidelines for Community Transformation
Zephaniah 3:9-12
This Africa Arise gathering is by God’s mandate. The Mandate is to: Reconnect, Reflect, Refuel, Rekindle and Recharge. What happens after this gathering, therefore, is more important than the moments we experience during the gathering.
The dictionary defines mandate as “an official order or commission to do something.” As children of God, we must understand that there is a calling on our lives, and within that calling, several assignments. Specifically, there are things God has spoken during Africa Arise this week that are assignments.
Assignments are for others. John 7:37-39 shows how the rivers flow out. This rivers are not for us.
A few facts about Zephaniah’s mandate:
1. Zephaniah was a fourth generation descendant of King Hezekiah. (Zephaniah 1:1)
2. Zephaniah’s name means “The Lord Hides, or the Lord protects.”
3. At the age of 20, Zephaniah was to bring a prophecy of judgement.
4. Zephaniah’s primary audience was Judah, which was in a state of apostasy.
5. Zephaniah’s model was for community transformation to the nations.
Judah was at a crossroads and so is Africa. Transformation needed. Beyond the gathering, God has people amongst us who are pregnant with assignment.
Three key guidelines:
1. The privilege of revelation: Zephaniah 1:1 This verse specifies the revelation that came to Zephaniah. Luke 10:21 would remind us that there are times when God hides a matter, and times when He reveals a matter. Revelation is both rare and a privilege. It must be properly stewarded.
Revelation is for others. “It was revealed to them, that they were not serving themselves, but you…” (1Peter 1:10) To come back next year the same way we were is a squandered opportunity. We must, “Learn from the past, Obey in the present, Shape the future.”
2. The primacy of relevance: We must consider ourselves as transformation agents wherever we are. Like the sons of Issachar, we must understand the times, and know what to do. Zephaniah addressed Judah, Jerusalem, the Philistines, Assyria and Moab. Zephaniah addresses the context, and says that He will deal with the people who have taken advantage of their vulnerabilities. (Zephaniah 2) For those thinking of plundering Africa, know that God will act accordingly.
3. The promise of restoration: Zephaniah 3 Divine restoration is characteristically:
i. Instructive
ii. Protective
iii. Transformational
Educate yourself about Africa to remain relevant. When we speak of the restoration of Africa, we need to be aware of the priorities on the continent. Nicholas Murray said, “There are those who don’t know what is happening, those who watch things happen, and those who make things happen.” We make things happen!