NECF Malaysia "For Your Intercession" No. 62 – November 10, 2006 www.necf.org.my
Malaysia, who has prided herself with social harmony and political stability, is now on a new threshold. Ethnic bigotry with religious complexities is on the rise. An individual’s religious status becomes invariably the concern of the whole community. As a result, many civil society organizations have turned towards issues of religion. Meanwhile, new religious groupings are springing up rapidly, the Muslim NGOs in particular.
Recent months have seen the religious extremists becoming more than just being vocal. They actively mobilize group protests and create misunderstanding and vicious rumors to provoke the sentiment of the people. Politically-motivated racial slurs, the fractions within the ruling party and the conflicts between the Prime Minister and his predecessor have not been helpful. They have instead produced political loopholes for the extremists to whip up religious sentiments for the purpose of creating instability and chaos in the country.
The SMS rumour on a church baptizing a group of Malays is evidently consequential to the intense ethnic/religious consciousness in the society. While such malicious act of some ill-willed persons is revolting, many are shocked and alarmed by the irrational reaction of many based on an unfounded rumour. One wonders if our racial relation could worsen to a situation that would lead to a replay of May 13 racial clashes.
Abhorrent facts seem to await us at every step. Yet the Christian community must not lose heart but to “wait for the Lord and keep His way” (Ps 37:34a), for “the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, He is their strength in time of trouble” (37:39). Therefore we pray unceasingly with the Word of God, out of love and concern for the nation.
Pray for:
- The Government: loves justice and righteousness (Pro 25:5); walks in integrity; and has the political will to stamp out corruption and extremism.
- The extremists: against the spirit of extremism (Eph 6:12); those who seek to sow discord and hatred to turn from their evil ways (Ps 83:13-18).
- The neighbours: renewed mindset and spiritual enlightenment (2 Cor 4:4-6; Rom 10:10).
- The Church: loves God and loves neighbours (Matt 22:36-38); continues to be salt of the earth, light of the world and makes disciples (Eph 6:19; Col 4:3-6; 2 Thess 3:1-2).
“Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done.” |
