AN ABORIGINAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE APOLOGY (Editors note: Some of our readers have asked could we obtain a report from one of our Aboriginal leaders as to their perspective on the apology given by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd two weeks ago. Pastor Peter Walker a friend with whom we have shared the reconciliation journey over a number of years has penned the following article which we bring you so that you may obtain a better understanding of the impact the apology had on our indigenous people.) Changing History and Bringing about the Purposes of God In This Nation Over the past 2 weeks, we have seen prophecy being fulfilled and history being made in this nation. Standing at Parliament House and watching history being made whilst listening to the Prime Minister's apology speech was something only God could have brought about. This was the results of prayer. I must say from the onset one would have to be naïve to think that everyone taken from their parents and placed in white foster homes didn't appreciate and benefit from this exercise, not so! There are genuine cases of those who were taken still having good relationship with their foster parents, and would not be alive today if it weren't for these placements. Hence the term, "stolen generation", and the "rescued generation" I believe this was much broader then the stolen generation, this is about identity and recognition and apologizing for the past. The fact is we have to start somewhere and this happened. The mixture of tears and emotions was hard to contain. Something broke in me, as if there was a release from the past, and as I looked around almost every one was in tears, even hardened men were in tears of joy, and for the very first time in the history of this nation, an apology by a very brave and compassionate Prime Minister towards Australia's First Nation's people was given. Who would have thought it would be Kevin Rudd, I for one did not give him my vote in the elections, and he was the last one in line I would have thought possible. But then I am reminded as we study biblical history, God has used heathen and pagan kings to fulfil his purposes in disciplining, deliverance and restoration of Israel; e.g. Nebuchadnezzar, (Jeremiah 27:8) Cyrus the Persian king, (Isaiah 45:1-3; Ezra 1:1-11. I believe Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is a part of God's plan for fulfilling the purposes of God in this nation. When he made the apology we saw parts of the prophecy of Amos 5:21-24b fulfilled, "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream." Every where I looked whilst at Parliament House, and throughout this nation, rivers of tears were flooding down, throughout the nation, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people we're able to find release through the Prime Minister's apology, this was much broader then just the stolen generation Truly we are about to see reformation and transformation explode over this nation. People have asked about reconciliation and healing and compensation, I tell them this will begin when people come into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Friends I am amazed and astounded of God's awesome plan for this nation and his plans are beginning to unfold. Early that morning as we were preparing to go to Parliament House the Lord spoke to me through His word. The passage of scripture that opened up to me was 1 Chronicles 15:1-13-; David instructs the Levites to prepare themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord, and it was because of them not doing it right at first that God's anger was aroused. Please listen to me I did not look for this scripture, I just had prayer and asked God for guidance, and this is the word that I opened on, and I believe He gave me this word.King David had prepared a dwelling place for the ark to be brought to Mount Zion in Jerusalem from Kiriath Jearim. The ark was placed there by Saul prior to David becoming King. Saul represented an old mindset, old mentalities. I believe Kevin Rudd is likened to King David in his role where God has established him as a new authority, with a new mindset, unafraid to meet the challenge. He has set things in motion and a platform and foundation for us to build upon. However, he is limited in his role as leader 'king' of this nation. It is now time for the Levites us, the New Testament Priests, to formulate a plan and walk together in unity in bringing about the purposes of God in establishing righteousness and justice in this nation. This nation needs us to walk together in unity. We are in a new season, with a new mindset, and new mentalities. Source: by Aboriginal Pastor Peter Walker
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