For Such A Time As This

The last thing I thought I would be writing about here is COVID-19. I have been avoiding listening to or reading about this topic - other than some updates – and I certainly did not plan on it as a subject of my writing! Just safely going about my own business at home has been my course of action. God had a different plan. He usually does.

Fully understanding the need for social distancing for a time in order to keep coronavirus from spreading; I believe that what God has put on my heart does not simply have to do with how we respond to what is happening right now, but how we will respond in the future because of what we are now experiencing.

Although I am so very grateful that we live in a time where we can communicate with others in so many different ways, I realize it is also very easy to withdrawal into ourselves and allow the inability to meet face to face to turn into giving up meeting with others altogether.

A passage from the Bible keeps hitting my heart - which usually means God is trying to get my attention. He often places the same verse or passage in front of me over and over when He wants me to listen carefully. This time, it has just come to my mind over and over. Probably because in isolation there are fewer opportunities to hear it from someone else. Which, ironically only serves to strengthen my reason for sharing my thoughts on this topic.

In Hebrews 10:23-25 we read:

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

This passage, like many others in Scripture can be continuously applied - to the time it was written, throughout the years that follow, as well as today. “As some are in the habit of doing” suggests that there were those within the group being addressed that were drifting away from their newborn faith. In fact, chapter two of the book of Hebrews talks extensively of paying close attention and holding on to faith in Jesus Christ, for “… how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Romans 2:3 NIV).

But many, including myself, can look to the end of this passage and easily see the great significance it holds for us today; “… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” If you have studied end time prophecy at all, it is hard to miss the events that are surrounding us on a daily basis pointing out such a time as this. Let me be clear. I am NOT a date setter, nor do I turn to such for instruction. I do believe however, that the day of Christ’s return is drawing near.

So, what does that have to do with continuing to meet and encourage one another? We Christians are pretty good about encouraging others and uplifting the name of Jesus through social media, and I so appreciate that; but what about meeting with an individual – offering that personal touch (pardon the play on words).

The same technology that allows us to communicate through social media also allows us the ability to meet on a more personal level. We may have before us, a unique opportunity to support a new believer, or reach someone that has yet to accept the gift of salvation offered by our Lord, Jesus Christ. Many may be open to the truth of the Gospel now more than ever before.

While this crisis has offered me an opportunity to get more writing done, it has also given me pause to think about what God will have me do with this new reality. I ask you to join me in this contemplation.

When we are able to freely go out again, will we rush to the store to stock up for the next pandemic? Will we continue to distance ourselves from others out of fear, or will we seek out those God so desperately wants saved?

And what about while we are currently isolated from one another? Who should we be reaching out to in comfort with the good news of Christ Jesus? How can we “meet” them with the hope of salvation and eternal life?

Just in case my title threw you off, and you thought I was going to talk about Esther; I encourage you to review how she dealt with crisis (The Book of Esther) – through fasting and prayer. Esther knew the only place to start anything is to first bring it before the Lord.

I feel the birth pangs of our world as I see the Day approaching. I also see the words of God lighting up the page. The time is drawing near. Let us not forget the words of Jesus:

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest (John 4:35b).

True then. True today.

Scriptural Resource for Sharing Salvation through Jesus (simple, not exhaustive!):

1) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

2) “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

3) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

4) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

5) “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

[my emphasis]

All Verses from New International Version (NIV)