All we hear these days are frightening reports of number of new cases of covid-19, number of deaths, lockdowns, and stockmarket crashes, huge increases in unemployed. Crisis every way we look or listen.
We hear people saying that this is punishment from God. Yet in John 9 Jesus had a completely different angle on the reason a man was born blind. It was neither he, nor his parents who had sinned, but that the glory of God should be revealed. And Jesus promptly gave him his sight back, to the astonishment of all.
It is in times of crisis that people turn to a supernatural power, by whatever name. In western countries with a heritage in christianity, they turn, even if only in their private thoughts, to God. And He is there, waiting for them with open arms, to calm their fears, give support and hope, encourage, and comfort. Even His own people draw nearer to God in these times. God relishes the opportunity to show his practical love in times like this, and to involve his people as His instruments.
I am one of those who am strictly admonished to stay at home - not even to shop for myself. As a believer, I feel compelled to particpate in some form of service. It is at times like this that we have incredible opportunities to show the love of God to our neighbours, far and near. The following verses are only two that very clearly indicate that our lives are to be active in service.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
The essence of Christ's life in us is to demonstrate His love to others. And His love is active, it is a behavioural pattern, not simply an emotional feeling. So my question and proposal is simply to ask - how are you serving in this period of crisis? That's not meant as a challenge, but as a request for ideas - things you are doing, things you have heard others are doing, how you and others are praying, giving hope, encouragement, comfort, whatever ...
We hear people saying that this is punishment from God. Yet in John 9 Jesus had a completely different angle on the reason a man was born blind. It was neither he, nor his parents who had sinned, but that the glory of God should be revealed. And Jesus promptly gave him his sight back, to the astonishment of all.
It is in times of crisis that people turn to a supernatural power, by whatever name. In western countries with a heritage in christianity, they turn, even if only in their private thoughts, to God. And He is there, waiting for them with open arms, to calm their fears, give support and hope, encourage, and comfort. Even His own people draw nearer to God in these times. God relishes the opportunity to show his practical love in times like this, and to involve his people as His instruments.
I am one of those who am strictly admonished to stay at home - not even to shop for myself. As a believer, I feel compelled to particpate in some form of service. It is at times like this that we have incredible opportunities to show the love of God to our neighbours, far and near. The following verses are only two that very clearly indicate that our lives are to be active in service.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
The essence of Christ's life in us is to demonstrate His love to others. And His love is active, it is a behavioural pattern, not simply an emotional feeling. So my question and proposal is simply to ask - how are you serving in this period of crisis? That's not meant as a challenge, but as a request for ideas - things you are doing, things you have heard others are doing, how you and others are praying, giving hope, encouragement, comfort, whatever ...
