3-14-2020

Good Morning All, 

   Isaiah 43: 1b-3a; “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

    So, what do we do?  The news is inundated with stories of the covid-19 virus.  To some, the end of civilization as we know it is about to occur.  To some, this is a hoax.  So, what is a Christian supposed to do?  Do we hide in a bunker, hidden somewhere deep in the woods or do we go about as if nothing can harm me and it is not my concern if I harm others and blithely ignore what is occurring?  What do we do?

    First and foremost, do not fear!  We, as the redeemed of Christ have nothing to fear.  Our eternal salvation is secure because of the blood of Jesus; we have God’s promise on that.  As we live in this broken creation, where viruses, bacteria, droughts, plagues and man-made mayhem occurs; remember, God is with us, protecting us and shielding us.  But we need to remember that we are still part of this earthly realm and that God has given us some direction, in fact, commands to follow.  Do not fear but be prudent, be cautious and heed good medical advice.  God does provide for his people, but He usually provides for his people in ordinary ways using ordinary means.  He may shield his people the way he shielded the Israelites when the Angel of Death claimed the first born in Egypt (Exodus 12 esp. verses 29-32) but more likely; He will provide us with doctors and nurses and other medical professionals who will be his hands in protecting his people; so listen to them and pray for them, that God will give them wisdom and proper knowledge.

    God provides governments for us so that there may be order in this world (Romans 13: 1-7).  We need to cooperate with the authorities as they are making decisions, some of which are very difficult.  Rather than find your favorite social media platform to lambast them; pray for them, that God will guide them during this time of distress.  Be aware of your neighbors, especially those at higher risks of contracting the disease.  Offer them encouragement and, if you are able, offer to do errands for them for a while.  
    What is a Christian to do when the rest of the world seems to be going out of whack?  First and foremost, do not fear; God is in control and His desire for you is that you will be in his kingdom for eternity, to give you life, hope, comfort and peace.  So we can be what the Apostle Paul called us to be, good citizens who obey and respect those in authority, who care for and have compassion on those who are suffering or in need and who are confident in times of distress because we know where our help comes from.

Father, in times of distress you are our only hope.  Guide us by your Spirit that we may not fear but always trust in you.  Be with the doctors and nurses and all the caregivers that they may be the strong and willing hands of your deliverance.  Make us good citizens and faithful examples to others.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret