 The next 12 months will be exciting times as our nation gears up to celebrate its 50th Merdeka Day. Similarly, NECF Malaysia will also be making preparations to celebrate our 25th anniversary next July.
In the midst of the anticipation of the double celebrations next year, the Lina Joy case continues to preoccupy many of our minds and prayer agenda of the Church. The case is indeed crucial.
However, we, the Church must not miss out on what is equally, if not, the more important agenda of the Church – nation building.
 Let us learn from history. When God’s people were under the Babylonian captivity, it took 70 years before the Persians came onto the scene. Thereafter, some of the people of God were able to return and re-build the Temple. Until the fulfillment of that time ordained by God, all that the people could do was cry by the rivers of Babylon.
Likewise, we cannot run ahead of God’s timetable for our nation.
Whatever the outcome of the Lina Joy court case, I believe religious freedom will be affected.
In fact, even while the three judges are deliberating her case, our Prime Minister on Aug 21 called on the Federal Territory, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak to legislate laws to prevent other faiths from spreading their beliefs to Muslims.
But let’s not forget what God’s Word says – the Message Bible in Romans 8:3b aptly describes ‘law’ as being only as effective as a ‘band-aid’, incapable of providing ‘deep healing’.
The Church should therefore look beyond the political and legal solutions. We need a spiritual solution – “deep healing” for our nation.
The world at large will continue to contend that the Lina Joy case is a ‘human rights’ issue, while “the majority” today disagrees.
However, irrespective of one’s perspective, we cannot run ahead of God’s timetable. It is going to take time. And for us Christians, we need to be patient and continue to pray.
I am reminded of how, after the beheading of John the Baptist, Jesus went on to do good works and preach the coming of the Kingdom. Likewise, the Church should emulate His footsteps.
The Church need not be despondent if the outcome of the Lina Joy case is not favorable. We need to continue to do good works in our nation.
Our country needs to hear and know that we love our country and are willing to invest in it. We need to focus and work on nation building, which, I believe, is an agenda close to the Lord’s heart.
NECF’s “Nation-Building Policy” is currently being studied in greater depth. When completed, it will be presented to our members at large for endorsement and participation.
In the meantime, let the light of God, which is within us, shine forth.
I want to be in the place where others would be able to recognise our God in us, just like how Abimelech and Phichol acknowledged Abraham and said to him, “God is with you in all that you do” (Genesis 21:22 NKJV).
Let not the present crisis in our country distract us from focusing on the long-term goal – to do good works as espoused in our nation-building goal, and as commanded in the Scriptures.
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