I encourage you to read this most hope-filled word by Nathan Shaw and how we should respond to others in this time.
Many are experiencing great fear right now...we, the Church, are equipped to reach out and have the right response to the world around us. Let's be contagious in His love! (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)
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Everyone's talking about the coronavirus pandemic across the globe. Because it's on everyone's mind, we easily connect with others over it, whether they are friends or strangers. In the midst of the chaos, uncertainty and change, there are three important questions to ask:
1. Am I in Love with the Man Christ Jesus?
This is easily the most important question you can ask yourself at any time. It is so easy to get focused on life, ministry, good works, or even pandemics, that we forget the most important thing of all.
When you are in love with someone you can't stop talking about them. Imagine if we talked about Jesus as much as we talk about the virus. That's a recipe for world-wide revival right there! And I don't mean "annoying talk." I mean the natural, spontaneous overflow of a heart that's in love. We are made in the image of God and wired for love. Life works best when we live loved and in love. Love for Jesus is contagious. It's infectious and it's unstoppable.
2. What Has Changed?
It's good to take stock of what's happening:
• There is a contagious virus sweeping the globe.
• Many people are responding in fear.
• There are restrictions to our daily lives.
• The world economy is being majorly affected.
Yes, many are experiencing big changes: financial loss, loss of employment, having to work from home, uncertainty about future employment, isolation and confinement, chronic sickness, and/or death of a loved one.
3. What Has Not Changed?
In a world awash with change it's important to base our lives solidly on the rock of that which does not change. (Photo via Piqsels)
Consider the following:
• God is seated on His throne (Revelation 4:2-3).
• He is good and His mercy endures forever (2 Chronicles 5:13, 7:3).
• He is Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides (Genesis 22:14).
• He is a warrior who roars against the works of the devil (Exodus 15:3, 1 John 3:8).
• He is Jehovah Rapha, the One who heals (Exodus 15:26).
• He is not perturbed by chaos in the nations (Psalm 2:1-4).
In all of these things God does not change (Hebrews 13:8). He is a Father who cares deeply about individuals and nations. When change brings upheaval and uncertainty, focus on that which does not change.
Is God Judging the Nations Through This Pandemic?
Let's be very clear, God is not judging the nations through the coronavirus pandemic. In Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus pronounced judgment on the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. But note well the reason for the judgment: they had rejected God despite the phenomenal healings and miracles repeatedly done in them. These three cities had rejected an undeniable display of God's incredible love, care and kindness. It is equally important to note that this judgment would not happen until the day of judgment. Jesus didn't pronounce a temporal, earthly judgment. Rather, He pronounced an eternal, heavenly one that would happen at the end of time.
God is courteous and He waits patiently until it is absolutely clear there will be no repentance. He states clearly if a judgment is from Him—usually a long time before the judgment even happens. God's heart is to save, not to condemn (John 3:17).
Rather than God judging the nations, I believe we are on the brink of a world-wide healing revival. In October 1918 a flu pandemic swept through New Zealand killing half a percent of all Europeans there and over two percent of all Maori. No event has killed so many New Zealanders in such a short time.
"Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana" was a New Zealand Minister in the early 20th century. He was 1 of 21 grandchildren, and of the 21, only Ratana and two of his sisters survived. God visited Ratana in November 1918. Ratana went on to have a remarkable healing ministry. To this day there is a... (continue reading)
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On this very day as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this is an excellent reminder to us of who we are and "Whose" we are.
