Nelson Mandela "See you on the other side"

Nelson  Mandela (July 18 1918-Dec 5 2013)

Today we have lost one man, an icon, Nelson Mandela. And only today does it hit me that one of the world’s greatest leader, known for peace, forgiveness and reconciliation comes from Africa. 

On this day, the world looks to Africa. To South Africa the world looks on, for at least the next 10 days till our beloved Madiba's (Nelson Mandela) celebration of life is experienced. 

Out of a continent known to some as very dark, the world looks to a man who brings light and challenges each one of us…that one man can make a difference…I can make a difference…You can too. So as Mandela said, "When you have a mission in life, you focus on that mission and not on your enemies". Love truly wins out, forgiveness, peace, reconciliation are still the virtues our world longs for. For those who would dare to live or die for these virtues—like our icon Nelson Mandela—will experience light showing the way, will experience immortality indeed. 

Nelson Mandela's amazing life, and the love, care and reaction across the world to the death of this man, allows me in a beautiful way to see the impact one life can make when it is poured out for the liberation of others. No selfish motives, just pure unadulterated love, peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, unity and celebration of diversity.

This being a Christian devotional Blog, you can see very clearly the picture Madiba portrays. It is not hard to see the correlation. Like Madiba, there was another man, who lived over 2000 years ago, not in Africa but in the Middle East, Israel.

His name was Jesus, He was not only a man but He was also God (John 1:1-5). He came on earth doing good, healing the sick, reaching out to the outcast and speaking out against injustice (Acts 10:38), but top on His list was a call to reconcile all people to God by putting their trust in Him (Rom 10:9-10) .  He eventually died on a cross to make this, reconciliation, peace and forgiveness possible (Rom 5:10). He promised a new life (John 11:25)—Like Mandela promised a new South Africa—where there will be no inequality between Jew or Gentile, Male or female, Black or White, African or Asian, free or slave, but all nations and cultures can be one under God (Gal 3:28).

From Madiba's life we know that one man can and does make a difference. How much more of a difference can a God-man make?

As the world looks to Africa today, like they looked to a Cross in Jerusalem over 2000 years, we are in awe at the power of a life lived for the glory of God and for the service of mankind (1 John 3:16). 

 We love you Madiba. Your life as well as your death, is still a comfort to our souls. See you on the other side Madiba, for a life lived in God is immortal.

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters".(1 john 3:16)…Thanks for doing just that Madiba, enjoy your time with our Lord.

Nelson Mandela's (Madiba) Legacy

Ps 112

For a life given away is a life truly gained

Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.

² Their children will be successful everywhere;
    an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.

³ They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.

⁴ Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
    They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

⁵ Good comes to those who lend money generously
    and conduct their business fairly.
⁶ Such people will not be overcome by evil.

    Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
⁷ They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

⁸ They are confident and fearless
    and can face their foes triumphantly.

⁹ They share freely and give generously to those in need.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
    They will have influence and honor.