Sobering lessons, but a great Saviour

Cancelled events. Empty entertainment centres. Stockpiling. Social distancing. Illness. Death. Economic disruption. Lock down. Who would have thought this would be the stark memories of 2020? These things make us think again.

Thank God for being able to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The one who is stronger even than death provides us with genuine hope. His resurrection is the basis for walking by faith rather than by sight at this difficult time.

We have become acutely aware of being weak in the face of disease: ‘all humans are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever’ (1 Peter 1v24-25 quotes from Isaiah 40v6-8). Permanence is found in the word of the Lord, since what He promises He delivers. The incredible promise of Jesus rising three days after his death on a cross show that God’s word is sure.

We have become acutely aware that we can’t control our world. We might be able to change the temperature of our house, optimize the growth of crops, modify our appearance, eat a good diet to remain healthy, with the help of medicine we can even alleviate suffering. But we cannot control everything. The LORD God Almighty is the revealed name of God, since He alone is sovereign.

We have learnt a new term: social distancing. A shunning of those who are possible carriers of infection is socially painful. We were made in the image of God with dignity and the capacity for relationships. To be denied this hurts.

We have learnt of our need for God! The God of the Bible is our creator, sustainer provider and protector. We are fallen beings who are in need His forgiveness and strength to live His way. The risen Lord Jesus Christ provides these things when we turn back to Him, trust and obey: ‘For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and overseer of your souls’  (1 Peter 2v25).

Surely you want to know more of this great hope through the risen Jesus! Then get hold of a modern bible to read a Gospel account; join us in our services via the website if you can; catch up by our “listen again” option to sermons. But do engage with the risen Jesus who is the source of our salvation and hope for this life.

May you have a peaceful Easter as you put your trust in Jesus who has risen!

Paul Kingman