Giving God a two-week resignation notice smacks of insubordination

• The Bible, as well as historical facts, clearly show that age and failing health are not strong grounds for one to decline a godly calling and hand Him a two-week notice of resignation.

The shocking decision by Pope Benedict XVI to resign warrants unequivocal condemnation as it smacks of both selfishness and reluctance to sacrifice and be dedicated to God’s calling.

The Bible, as well as historical facts, clearly show that age and failing health are not strong grounds for one to decline a godly calling and hand Him a two-week notice of resignation.

Perhaps that’s why lightning struck the Vatican dome moments after the Pope’s announcement.

Abraham was much older than Benedict when he was called to spiritual duty.

Furthermore, he was a serious stammerer yet his calling demanded eloquence and clear articulation of facts.

In spite of all these failings, he willingly accepted to serve God.

Moses’ case was no different.

He was called upon to deliver the children of Isreal from the bondage of slavery and neither his age nor the hostile desert deterred him from his calling and in the end was handed the Ten Commandments that still guide us to-date.

The list is long.

Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John II performed his papal duties in a probably worse health condition.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta remained honest to her calling up to the minute she was being wheeled to her resting tomb!

I cite the above cases because serving God is no common-day task like being a CEO of some company where one wakes up armed with a resignation letter.

God’s work calls for sacrifice, endurance and faith.

These are the weapons with which to defeat satanic designs.

MALIK SUMBA, Mumias

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African pontiff

The sudden resignation of Pope Benedict the XVI due to ill-health has had the world talking on his possible successor at the Vatican.