Reformation by Ps Jim Jung

Over the past few years we have been sowing into our church community the proposal that we are in a seasonal time of change. A transitional moment in the history of our society. This season of change isn’t something that began at Christmas time. There has been a shift in the atmosphere of our world that has already been in play for at least a decade. This shift is a global phenomenon. It’s not as simple to think that it’s only about a single issue. I believe we are travelling through a moment that future historians will coin a reformational era.

I was reminded of the prophetic word that was given to the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah:

““Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” (Jeremiah 18:1-4 NIV)

A reformation simply means a season of being “formed again” through correction or realignment. At the time of any reformational period events aren’t easily understood or collated in sequenced formats at the time they are occurring. They are generally misunderstood until much later when hindsight experts design their flowcharts and timelines.

As a follower of Christ we are called to be people of foresight. People of the Kingdom of God as “Seers”. Jesus said on a number of occasions things like:

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23 NIV)

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” (Matthew 24:32-33 NIV)

Jesus is telling us to read the signs. Be a people of foresight. A prophetic people who understand the times we are in and to recognise things that lie up ahead. Reformation isn’t about a single issue that is occurring which requires correction or addressing. It is a recognition that many things are moving, maybe even over a long period of time, causing the atmosphere or environment to slowly shift (e.g. frog in the kettle).

It’s not a time to be fearful – in fact it’s the opposite – we were born for a time such as this – just like Esther was born for her time, and the disciples for theirs and the early church fathers for theirs, etc. You were crafted, made and equipped to enter this chapter of history.

Jim Jung