HE IS NOT HERE!!CHRIST IS RISEN

		He Is Not Here, He Is Risen!
		South Africa is facing a growing number of formidable challenges. Incredibly, President Jacob Zuma appears to be the focus of every new scandal. Since being fired as deputy president by then president, Thabo Mbeki, in June 2005 - after being implicated in an alleged corrupt relationship with former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik - Mr Zuma has been embroiled in several major scandals - more than any other politician in South Africa. Allegations of corruption related to the arms deal have dogged Mr Zuma since early 2000. He was also accused of rape, fraud, racketeering, misusing state funds and fathering an illegitimate child with a daughter of a friend. The latest allegations involve an alleged corrupt relationship with the wealthy Gupta family. A growing number of senior ANC members have confirmed reports of  “State capture” by the politically connected  Gupta family. The Nkandla saga (currently awaiting a Constitutional Court ruling), the Nene firing and the current Hawks investigations of Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan has seriously weakened South Africa’s economic stability and outlook. In addition, the revelation that the Gupta family offered Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas the Finance Minister job before former Minister Nene was fired on 9 December 2015 - has rocked the ruling ANC. Despite the scandals swirling around the president, the ruling party reiterated its confidence in their leader following a weekend NEC meeting in Gauteng. When one considers the political, economic and social challenges facing SA, the future looks bleak. But while the turmoil around us may heighten our fears and insecurities, the reality of the Empty Tomb tells a very different story. This weekend, Christians across the globe will observe the most significant event in human history, the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In spite of the political turmoil and economic uncertainty, believers can find peace, hope and security in this one historical fact, HE IS RISEN! Your and my destiny is not determined by the ANC or any other political party. Governments will come and go but Jesus remains the King of kings. The unfolding political drama could be the work of the Lord.  God is in the process of exposing the hidden deeds of wicked men. And thankfully, no power on earth can keep hidden what God exposes to the light. The most important responsibility for you and I in the current political climate is prayer. We must pray that God will intervene in the affairs of our nation. John Wesley once said, "God does nothing but in answer to prayer." Jesus rose from the grave victorious - thereby defeating His enemies, the unjust political system of His day, and the treachery of the ruling Sanhedrin.   South Africa will also rise above the current political turmoil. We will rise above the enemies of the Church, injustice, corruption and racial conflict.   Jesus Christ is the Risen Lord! This is an historical fact! All Power and Authority resides in Him. This Easter, I pray the Church of Jesus Christ will rise up in power and unity to rescue the nation from spiritual and moral decline. #SAMustRise Standing Errol Naido