the Century of Faith

The Rev. William J. K. Lo, General Secretary, The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

As a high school student, some 40 years ago, I was a frequent movie-goer.  . One film that I saw was 2001, A Space Odyssey.  Its story was based on a theme from Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, wherein the king of Ithaca, Odysseus, returning from the Trojan war, wandered for ten years during which he met amazing challenges. The film was set in the year 2001 among a group of people wandering through outer space. 

After seeing that movie I imagined that by the year 2001 human beings would be able to go roam through outer space.  In fact, there are many people who would like to go exploring there.  But on the brink of 2001 we are still limited by our technology and resources and unable to leave the earth’s surface to rove about.  Humans still dream of a time when such possibilities will be actualities.  In Hebrews 11:1 we read, “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.”  Basically, how shall we label the 21st century?  I believe that it will be the Century of Faith.  We are privileged to enter into it.  

Through the faith and wisdom that God grants to human beings the progress and development we experience in the new century is “a thousand miles in a day”.  Following upon computer technology development, human communications skills and knowledge have accelerated miraculously.  We think ahead into the 21st century and ask, “What will the human social condition be?” But if we have a sure faith in the Lord’s care for this world, we are able to bravely advance without the least bit of dread.

     Through faith we advance the ecumenical mission of the church into the 21st Century. By the power of the Holy Spirit we look towards the establishment of God’s Kingdom in all the earth.  God’s reign is above all powers of the human spirit, politics, economics, society, culture and the complications of human life.  With John Calvin we assert, “All things on earth are ruled under the awesome purpose of God.”

How do we participate in the early coming of God’s Kingdom? How shall we join in the filling of the earth with God’s righteousness, peace and joy (described in Romans 14:17)?  This is the task of each minister and believer through faith as co-laborers with God, offering ourselves as instruments of God’s mission, showing forth the gospel and serving humanity with zeal.

At the time of the Reformation in Scotland, John Knox prayed ardently, “Lord! Give me Scotland or let me die!”  Can we not see the depth of his faith in that prayer?  We must learn from his example, so that we too may pray, “Lord! Give me Taiwan or let me die!”  If we have this kind of faith, this kind of decisiveness, this kind of commitment to our mutual mission, the reign of God’s kingdom can be established in our homeland.  

The 21st Century is the Century of faith.  May we all sincerely face God and pray for faith.