“And they came to Him and awoke Him,
saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind
and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said
to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to
one another, ‘Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and
they obey Him!’” — Luke 8:24-25
I have been watching the response of world
to the Corona virus. It caused me to
realize just how fragile our sense of safety and well-being really is. Shelves in
grocery stores are emptying out. Ben Franklin said, “To be forewarned is to be
forearmed.” I get that. But like the disciples in the boat – having done all
they, as expert boatmen, knew how to do, were convinced that all was lost. The
storm was just too great – they were convinced that they were going to die. The
stock market is in a nose dive, professional and college sports events, cancelled.
Schools closing. Theme parks like Disney World, closing. Airlines, Cruise ships,
those activities that are discretionary – reflective of our affluence – being
severely affected by the threat of this pandemic. Any assemblies of more than 250
people are discouraged. Worship
gatherings suspended. The world’s response reveals just how fearful people are
and how fragile our lives are.
Friends, it is time for the light of the
Church to shine. We need to encourage people to replace their fear with faith.
When all of the natural solutions seem to fail them, that “the Master of the
seas” is sovereign – He is in control. This is not really about a virus – it is
about who or what we trust in.
“Let your gentleness be known to all
men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and
the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:5-7
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For
His Glory Alone
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