Scandals, Strikes, Famine and ... Jeremiah!

I believe that “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), but I was astounded when I read the headlines this morning and then read God’s words during my devotions. “But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain … and on oppression and extortion” (Jeremiah 22:17) had more meaning after reading the bold words, “Land of Scandals,” across today’s Daily Nation. The scandals include a Sh7.6 billion “irregular transactions” between an oil firm and the national Kenya Pipeline Company, “Sh825m … fraud involving maize millers and a cartel which includes top government figures … Sh43m … paid out … by Kenya Tourist Board without following procedure.”

Jeremiah 22:13, “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness … by injustice, making his countrymen work for nothing” also had more meaning as “Rival unions fight over members” reminded me of the planned national teachers’ strike which is scheduled to begin next Monday, January 19th. A strike would be devastating to education in Kenya, yet many teachers, like policeman and others working for the government, receive salaries that cannot cover even basic necessities, even though those in Parliament recently gave themselves a large raise which places them among the highest paid politicians in the world.

It is hard to accept the scandals that continue to be exposed as our media also continues to share of the “FOOD CRISIS” (Daily Nation, pp.6,7) in the country. And yes, Jeremiah also had something to say about this as God reminded a king that his father had done “what was right and just … He defended the cause of the poor and needy” (22:15,16) and unlike in Jeremiah’s time and currently in Kenya, the people had adequate food and water.

As I questioned how I could pray for all of these incredible needs, I thought again of Hebrews 4:12. Please join me in praying that those who can bring about positive change in Kenya will allow God’s Word to direct their “soul and spirit … thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Pray that the Christians in leadership will be bold servants and ambassadors of their Saviour’s peace, love and salvation. Pray that Kenyans will receive the needed physical and spiritual nourishment. Pray that Kenya will become a nation who truly worship, obey and serve only our heavenly Father and be a witness to their neighbours of God’s love and salvation. Bert Yates
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“Land of scandals” (Daily Nation, 1/15/09, pp.1,2) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/514734/-/u19qms/-/index.html
“Sh825m lost in maize fraud as hunger bites” ((Daily Nation, 1/15/09, pp.1,2) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/514798/-/u19qs8/-/index.html

“Rival unions fight over members” (Daily Nation, 1/5/09, p.5) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/514742/-/u19qnm/-/index.html
“Secondary school teachers given pay raise…” (Daily Nation, 1/14/09, pp.1,2) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/514374/-/u19nli/-/index.html

“FOOD CRISIS: Dry weather conditions here to stay, warn experts amid dwindling supplies” (Daily Nation, 1/15/09, pp.6) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/514740/-/u19qnk/-/index.html
“FOOD CRISIS: Government to release 200,000 bags of maize” (Daily Nation, 1/15/09, p.7) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/514898/-/u19rko/-/index.html
“Alarm as country’s productive regions plead for share of relief food supplies” (Daily Nation, 1/13/09, pp.8,9) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/514004/-/u19l2x/-/index.html