03/17/2020
As Christians, how are we living right now in this time of fear and global sickness? Where are we placing our faith, and our hope? Moreover, in whom are we steadfastly trusting? When we suddenly find ourselves locked out of our church buildings, unable to take communion with the other saints, and facing great difficulty, are we looking towards the Lord and asking “Do you know us? Have you forsaken us?” In times of great hardship, and uncertainty Satan finds The hunting easy, but don’t fall victim, because our God is still ever present, and knows who we are... we are His!
“But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."”
2 Timothy 2:19 ESV
When all is well, when we find ourselves wanting very little, and our stomachs are full, it is easy to be faithful, and lift up the name of the Lord, but when we are making do, and find our supplies running low, we begin to question God just as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Yet, just like then, He is standing with us... calling us by name.
As Moses led the tribes through the wilderness, and even though they could see the pillar of smoke by day, and fire by night, they began to succumb to fear. We hear them callIng out in anguish because their faith was lacking and it wasn’t obvious where their next meal was coming from. They weren’t actually hungry... just afraid they might be. Even though God was leading them, they weren’t listening for His voice... for their name.
“And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."”
Exodus 16:2-3 ESV
Are we listening for our name today? Do we go to the store and see there is no toilet paper on the shelf and say “My God why have you forsaken me?!” Do we go back the very next day, and finding the shelves stocked do we buy every roll, thus denying others? Are we thinking that we will not be provided for tomorrow so we horde it all to the detriment of the very neighbors that only a few days ago we stood in church and said we would love as ourselves? When Israel feared it might go hungry they were told to take only what they could eat that day. We would do well if we did the same...
“Then the Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”
Exodus 16:4 ESV
How are we handling our own test today? Are we listening to the Lord, and loving our neighbor? You are probably thinking that there are so many surrounding us today that don’t know, or follow, God, and who steal and horde, so you must do the same before they leave you without! Is your trust in God that weak?
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.”
Nahum 1:7-8 ESV
Now is not a time for doubt and fear, but for faith, and prayer. When our churches close their doors we must stand firm on God’s Word. When we can’t take communion with the saints, hold up the bread and break it with your family, and take the wine within your household... do this in remembrance of Christ! In times like this we are to become the priesthood, and live according to the gospel!
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
We have talked much over the years about praising God in the midst of our suffering, and many of us have done this individually, But now we are called upon to do it collectively... are we strong enough, and spiritually sound enough, or does plague, and world calamity shake the soil of faith from our spiritual roots? We are the church, and we need no building to meet in, because God does not abide there, He abides in each of us as believers. Jesus has built His church on this truth... on us... in us.
“He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:15-18 ESV
So I ask my original question once more... “As Christians, how are we living right now in this time of fear and sickness?” I hope that each of us answers that we are living in the Word of God, and remembering Jesus in our homes, and lives, as we wait upon His return. I hope that we are loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength... and not abandoning the love we have for our neighbors. These are the times that define us, and set us apart... these are Holy times so I ask one final question... are you Holy?
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for the hardships in life that cull us from the world, and set us apart as your children. We thank you Lord for times of extreme suffering which bring us to our knees; not in defeat, but in prayer. We lift you up, and trust in you for our sustenance, and provision. Today you will provide, just as you will tomorrow and the next day. This is our trust, and this is your promise. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who feeds us manna, and brings water from the rocks themselves. Great are you whose Son abides within us, and you in Him. Praised be your Holy Name, for you are the foundation of our souls, and your Son Jesus the cornerstone of our faith in you. In times of plague and pestilence we call out to you for forgiveness and deliverance, and seek to glorify you in all we do. Holy, are you, and into your holiness you call us by name. We sing to you in the face of our enemies, and worship you in the midst of sickness and fever. You are our God of mercy and grace now, till the end of time, and forevermore.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:37-39 ESV
Rich Forbes