These past weeks sure have brought about much change in our lives that I know I never imagined I would see. In fact, as I go places and see everyone wearing masks, or to the grocery store for food and supplies only to find whole aisles nearly picked bare, it is strangely reminiscent of a movie from Hollywood. Sometimes it seems as if nothing is the same. We are all staying at home much more than we are used to. Our kitchens have been getting more use than we ever thought they would again. We can’t meet with family or friends for a bite to eat at the local diner. Movies are out…the beach is closed…and maybe most upsetting to our lives…we can’t go to church and worship and fellowship with our spiritual family.
All of this might not be so upsetting if we would have had time to prepare. If we would have known about it ahead of time we could have stocked up on necessities over the past six months or so. We would have taken more time with family and friends if only we had known how long we had to go without that hug. And we certainly would have taken the time to love and encourage each other at that last church service back in March if we had known it would be the last for several months! But we did not see it coming…and that has left us all feeling a bit uneasy.
Hallelujah, we serve a God who was not surprised by the present condition. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. As such, He knows the beginning and the end…and we can put our trust in Him! Jesus Himself told us that we would have trouble in this old world… ”But be of good cheer” He said, “For I have overcome the world”. (John 16:33) I am so thankful that I can have confidence in Him because He knows everything that is, and is yet to come, and He has overcome it all…and He wants us to take heart because He cares about us!
Finally, I am grateful because though it seems as if nothing is the same…The most important One is the same. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! No matter what else in my life may change, no matter what governmental mandates may upset our daily lives…Jesus, our Lord, our Savior, our King, our Rock is always the same!
Let’s all stay focused on the right thing. God was not caught off guard by the corona virus, He has always known about it and all the other trouble this world could and would bring…but He sent His Son Jesus…and Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus loves me and Jesus loves you more intensely and immensely than we could ever imagine, and that is never going to change because He never changes! Thank you Jesus!
Pastor Ken