Corona virus crisis

583 coronavirus pandemicNo matter what your situation is, no matter how bleak things may seem, our merciful God remains faithful and is our omnipresent and loving Savior. As Paul wrote, nothing can remove us from God or isolate us from his love: «What then could separate us from Christ and his love? Suffering and fear perhaps? Persecution? Hunger? Poverty? Danger or violent death? We are really treated as it is already described in the Holy Scriptures: Because we belong to you, Lord, we are persecuted and killed everywhere - we are slaughtered like sheep! But still: in the midst of suffering we triumph over all this through Christ, who so loved us. Because I am quite sure: Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor future nor any powers, neither high nor low or anything else in the world can separate us from the love of God, which he gives us in Jesus Christ, ours Lord, give »(Romans 8,35-39 Hope for All).

When faced with the coronavirus crisis, let Jesus be at the forefront of the Spirit. This is a time to make our Christianity known, not to isolate it. It's a time to make it seem, not hide it in a corner of our house. We may need to isolate ourselves, but that doesn't mean we should isolate others from Jesus who lives within us. Let his thoughts be within us as we respond to the worsening situation. In a few weeks the collective body of Christ will remember how Jesus Christ presented himself flawlessly to God through the eternal Spirit: “How much more will the blood of Jesus Christ renew us inwardly and wash away our sins! Filled with God's eternal spirit, he offered himself up for us as a flawless sacrifice to God. This is why our sins, which ultimately only lead to death, are forgiven and our conscience is purified. Now we are free to serve the living God »(Hebrews 9,14 Hope for all). In the midst of our need, let us continue to serve the living God.

How can we do that? How can we serve others as we try to practice social distancing and take care of ourselves? When it's safe and allowed, help others. If church services are canceled for the time being, do not see this as the end of church coexistence. Call on others with a word of encouragement. Listen, feel yourself. Laugh together when the opportunity presents itself. Make a ladder diagram and put it into action. Help others feel and be part of our local church. In this way, we also help ourselves to feel part of the church. «Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercy and God of all consolation, who comforts us in all our distress, so that we can also comfort those in all distress with the consolation with which we ourselves comforted are from God. For as the sufferings of Christ come abundantly upon us, so we are also abundantly comforted by Christ »(2. Corinthians 1,3-5).

With all aspects in mind on this matter, let's devote time to prayer. Pray for the gospel to continue to bring light to those around you. Pray for our governments and for all those who have authority to make wise decisions: «Pray especially for all those who bear responsibility in government and state, so that we can live in peace and quiet, reverent of God and sincere towards our fellow human beings »(1. Timothy 2,2).

Pray for the church to keep its structure financially intact during the crisis. Above all, pray that the love of Jesus flows through you to others and pray for others who are caught in the present need. Pray for the sick, the bereaved and the lonely.

by James Henderson