EASTER FOR UNITY GOOD Friday, which was celebrated yesterday, is a crucial day of the year on the Christian calendar because it is the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Jesus died on this very day, but rose on the third day. Christians in Zambia and all over the world have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus as the decisive turning point for all creation. The Creator is God, who sent his only begotten son to die for all of us.
Zambians across political lines should, therefore, proclaim this day as a turning point for love and reconciliation just as God sent his son on earth to reconcile humankind to the Throne of Grace. On Good Friday we are aware as Christians in this country the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins as written in Matthew 27:1-3 and thus: “When the morning, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the Governor. “Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.” Yes, the betrayer Judas Iscariot gave back the 30 pieces of silver and hanged himself, knowing too well that he had blundered.
There are so many lessons that Zambians can draw from this episode and start on a fresh note and truly reconcile politically and in other circumstances. Good Friday is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus rose from the dead, signaling his victory over sin and death. This also points to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith as Saint Paul explained in Romans 6:5 very clearly: “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Good Friday is very appropriate for Zambians and other people in the world because the suffering and death of Jesus marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save people from their sins. It is clear that God demonstrates resurrection on Easter as Jesus is resurrected and it is a period during which we must truly believe and continue reading and implementing the word of God.
In Zambia, reconciliation has eluded politicians and their followers as they treat opponents with deep hatred as they jostle for state power. Therefore, Good Friday through to Easter is one period that we can use for introspection in the political space and redeem ourselves as Zambians. Zambians must uphold peace for which they are known for and not violence which sporadically breaks out, especially during by-election campaigns. Many times, public discourse is laced with invectives among political leaders from opposite camps and the same is replicated among their followers. It is time Zambians and politicians in particular discarded diatribe from their vocabulary and embrace civility in handling public affairs. Political and state power must be used for selfless service and should not be a “do or die’ affair to the extent of maiming each other
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