This month we celebrate the advancement of God’s Kingdom and some wonderful “signs” of Jubilee and redemption…

 

Pentecostal Peace

For the second time, an African Pentecostal believer in Jesus has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for tremendous work in international peacemaking relations. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, is this year’s recipient of the prize. Ahmed has embodied the call of being a “minister of reconciliation” through his work in quenching years of hostility between his nation and the country of Eritrea.

It is so important to recognize the ongoing advancement of Jesus’s Kingdom through His younger brothers and sisters. This is one example of many. The typical outlets of information do not allow us to see victories such as these. Instead, we are all too often faced with an onslaught of negative news. However, work like Ahmed’s is being carried out every day and it’s imperative we celebrate it and believe for even more manifestations of peace to come forth.

 

Birdsong Jubilee!

50 years ago, this singing warbler was a highly endangered species with only about 200 males on the planet. After five decades of conservation efforts, the bird is now off the list, multiplying and growing throughout the world, filling the earth with its song!

We’ve talked about the number 50 numerous times on the New Bus. Its meaning is all about restoration and redemption. Over the summer, we discussed the 50th anniversary of Woodstock and a redemption happening in the music and the arts. This, we believe, is yet another sign of this reality. The true and beautiful song of the Gospel is being taken off the endangered preaching list, and thus being restored to humanity like never before!

 

None of That “Demonic S**t”

A new musical series has hit Netflix called Rhyme and Flow. Its focus is on finding the new top rapper in the United States. One of the judges is the well-respected Chance the Rapper, who is also a firm believer in Jesus. There are several occasions throughout the show where the competitors are hit with Chance’s perspective on what truly defines art and hip-hop. At one point in the show, a young man comes up with demonic paraphernalia and many dark allusions within his rhymes. Chance’s response from the judge’s chair is priceless. After the other judges give their feedback, Chance simply says this:

“That was some demonic sh*t yo… I ain’t like it yo.”

The young man was encouraged to strengthen his talents, but leave the competition. There was another instance where an exaltation of murder came from one of the contestants, and that person also got hit with criticism from Chance as well… All of this is small, but it coincides with the above mention of the Woodstock jubilee article from the summer. The light of God is penetrating the arts like never before and it will become more and move obvious in the days ahead.

 

Rehabilitating Prisoners Through Lambs

A stunning new program is happening in Australia where prisoners are offered the opportunity to help drought-stricken farmers. The particular work involves caring for newborn lambs who require round-the-clock assistance during their first eight weeks of life. The program helps support struggling farmers who need to focus on other things, but it also works as “a therapeutic method for teaching valuable job skills and agriculture training to the inmates.” One of the prisoners told ABC News, “It’s made me a bit more kind-hearted and gentle.”

Of course, it is a revelation fo the Lamb of God that is the ultimate rehabilitation for humanity. This program is a wonderful picture of the true message of God’s nature as the Lamb of God. As people are brought to face-to-face with Him, the way into healing and restoration is made visible.