As we enter 2025, January’s reflections will focus on preparations for a future that is already and not yet that Christmas began, where Christ’s Kingdom is moving toward His return. This week reminds us of our role in the outworking of the Kingdom:

IN WORD – We don’t know where he came from or where he went. Scripture is silent on the background of Melchizedek. All we know is he is both a king and a priest; his name means “king of righteousness”; he is the king of Salem, or literally shalom, which sounds virtually identical to “prince of peace”; and he comes with bread and wine and a blessing.
It’s hard not to pick up on the messianic symbolism of this character. Some even believe he is the preincarnate Christ, an ancient appearance of Jesus Himself. Regardless, this encounter is a divine endorsement of Abram’s endeavor. His pursuit of the invading kings far beyond his own region was the right thing to do. His aggressive approach was commended, even though it seems a little uncharacteristic for the usually docile patriarch.
God sent someone to bless Abram because, in this case, faith wasn’t the final word. Think about that. This father of faith who would wait decades for a promised son didn’t just sit in his tent and believe God would resolve everything for him in this situation. He didn’t wait when the situation was urgent. He trusted God not to recover everything for him but to recover everything through him. His faith led to action.
IN DEED – We need to understand this. Faith is the currency of God’s Kingdom, but faith isn’t always passive. Sometimes faith waits for decades, and sometimes it prompts us to get up and do something now. When the enemy is on a rampage, passivity is not an option. It isn’t the Kingdom way. We may receive from God through faith and patience, but we confront the enemy with faith and urgency. Some things simply have to be addressed right away. Learn to discern the difference. Never be passive toward evil. When you ask for the Kingdom of God to come, you are asking for rival kingdoms to go. And in God’s strength, you play a part in the transition. “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” – William Carey (in “Heaven on Earth” by Chris Tiegreen)

As we enter 2025, how will you live out your faith in action? Will you be ready to respond to the Lord should He ask you to carry out Kingdom work with your classmates, co-workers, neighbors, family, etc.?
A good book to read at the beginning of the year is the epistle of James. Take time this week to reflectively read a chapter a day and ask the Holy Spirit how you can better turn faith into action in your life. You will find that the more faith is incarnated, the more your life will flourish, for Christ’s Kingdom will be manifested through you. Have a blessed week! – back in Singapore, Pastor Sam