THE PURE SOURCE #144 - THE FULL LIST: GOD’S GUARANTEES FOR OUR LAND AND PEOPLE
Kia ora e te whānau. When we look at the 81 books of the ancient Ethiopian Bible, we aren't just looking at history, we are looking at a list of guarantees from the Creator for our lives here in the North. I wanted to make this as clear as possible, so I’ve put together a visual map that lists every single promise in plain language. No complicated jargon, just the truth of what God has said and how we can grab hold of it today.
The Promises We Can Stand On
Our research has identified four main areas where God has made specific commitments to us:
Nature and the Environment: God promises that the seasons will always continue and that the earth will never be destroyed by floods again. He guarantees that the stars and the natural world will follow the paths He set for them, and that the land will provide food and resources for us through His grace. He also promises us a rhythm of sacred rest to keep us in sync with Him.
Family and Identity: There is a promise of a lasting spiritual family legacy that reaches every nation. God promises to remember those who feel far from home and bring them back to their own land. Most importantly, He promises that you are known by name and recorded in His presence.
Justice and Protection: We are promised that death is not the end and that everyone will eventually be held accountable for their actions. God promises to break the chains of evil to open the way to a full life, offering peace to those who follow a good path. He also guarantees that corrupt leaders will lose their power and that He is the only true and fair judge.
Healing and Connection: You are promised a direct connection to God without needing anyone to stand in between. The Spirit is promised to help you remember what is truly important. God also promises complete healing for your mind, body, and spirit, and as you forgive others, you are guaranteed forgiveness yourself.
How We Claim Them
In our Taitokerau way of life, we don't just wait for these things to happen; we take action to make them real:
1. Karakia (Speak It): We speak the promise out loud to make it real in our lives and our homes.
2. Whakapono (Trust It): We trust God and follow the right way of doing things, the rules of respect and faith.
3. Mahi (Do It): We do the work to take care of the land and each other, acting as guardians of what we’ve been given.
