THE PURE SOURCE #144 - PROMISES FOR TODAY: 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. To keep things practical, I’ve pulled out the specific promises that are most relevant for us in Taitokerau today. These aren't just "nice ideas", they are targeted medications for the challenges our whānau face, from climate shifts to housing and identity.

The Word of God

My research shows that the Ethiopian canon is filled with specific commitments from the Creator. In the books of Enoch and Jubilees, God promises that the seasons will always continue and that the earth will never be destroyed by floods again. He guarantees that nature will follow the paths He set for them, providing food and resources for us through His grace. He also promises us a rhythm of "sacred rest" to keep us in sync with the Creator.

Family and Belonging

There is a promise of a lasting spiritual family legacy that reaches across all nations. In the book of 4 Baruch, God promises to remember those who feel far from home and bring them back to their own land. Most importantly, the Books of the Covenant promise that you are known by name and recorded in the very presence of God. These words provide a sense of belonging that heals the spirit of our youth.

Justice and Resistance

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 bonds that hold us back 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. This speaks directly to our history of resistance and our pursuit of mana motuhake.

Direct Teaching of Yeshua

"Ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." – Matthew 7:7, 8 (NKJV).

Translation from the original Greek:

"Inoi, a ka hoatu ki a koutou, rapua, a ka kitea, patoto, a ka whakapuaretia ki a koutou. Ki te inoi hoki te tangata, ka whiwhi, ki te rapu, ka kite, a ki te tangata e patoto ana, ka whakapuaretia te tatau."

Healing and Forgiveness

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 and cause you to learn. God also promises complete healing for your mind, body, and spirit through His presence. As we forgive others, we are guaranteed the forgiveness of our own mistakes by our heavenly Father.

Claiming the Word

In our Taitokerau way of life, we don't just wait for these things to happen, we take action through a clear Māori praxis:

• Karakia (Speak It): We speak the promise out loud to make it real in our lives and our homes.
  

• Whakapono (Trust It): We trust God and follow the right way of doing things, the rules of respect and faith.

• 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.