Abstract

Challenging times have always been part of human life. These challenges can be spiritual, political, ecological, economical, or moral in nature. Many African countries go through difficulties for one reason or another. Poor leadership plays an important role in creating challenging times. The covenantal text of Ezekiel 36:23–26 offers a profound message of divine restoration and transformation to the Jewish people during a time of turmoil. The covenant that YHWH made with his people was the basis for rebuilding their nationhood. It is all about their religious (spiritual) life, renewal, transformation, and restoration. The call to the Jewish people is clear; they must change their heart and enter into a new covenant with YHWH. This text calls the church to critical reflection. The rationale is that the community looks at the Church when times are challenging. During a crisis, one of the loudest questions is, ‘What does the church say?’ The indication is that society has high expectations for the church to voice out its position during challenging times. Through an intercultural approach—using the four-legged stool model—this paper articulates that during challenging times the Church should intentionally revisit its foundational mandate for guidance, reassurance, and renewal rooted in the word of God. Only when the church is deliberate about its role will it be relevant in rebuilding foundations for nationhood. This paper will contribute by suggesting a unique African approach to understanding the text of Ezekiel 36:23–26.