A word of encouragement in these unprecedented times – some people have been saying that the church is going to be greatly affected, people haven’t been able to gather for Easter and that their faith is being tested. Almost as if to say that covid-19 is another nail in the coffin of Christianity.
Yet it would appear that the opposite is actually true; as many churches and church leaders have had to finally embrace technology to get their message out with a vengeance to the masses, and people are doing all they can to spread the message of Easter by placing crosses in their front lawns and in their windows for all the world to see.
In these days of uncertainty and despair, doubts and fears rise to the surface for many people as they have been affected in one way or another. This is where HOPE is vitally important!
Our civic leaders have embraced this and you will notice that their rhetoric has shifted from the blame game (well some at least) and the promise to spend this and that on such and such and then not delivering – to the “we will get through this”, “whatever it takes!” And some leaders are carrying a heavy load at this time as they navigate the uncertainties, asking for trust and support as they guide us to a new world, a new normal.
And my mind wanders to the disciples as they have recently experienced significant loss and just a few short days later are hearing reports that their Saviour has returned.
HOPE rekindled!
Acts 4:33 says that: “The apostles gave powerful testimonies about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great measures of grace rested upon them all.”
In the words of General Bramwell Booth:
“It is the life of Jesus and the evidences of that life in us that are really all-important. No extent of worldly wisdom or historical testimony can finally establish for us the fact and power of Christ’s Resurrection, unless we have proof in ourselves of His presence there as a Living Spirit. That is the knowledge that cleanses the heart, destroys the strength of evil and brings in that true righteousness which is the power to do right. That is the greatest proof of the Resurrection.
No books, not even the Bible itself; no testimony, not even the testimony of those who were present on that first Easter Day, can be so good as this, the experimental proof. It is the most fitting and grateful, and adapts itself to every type of human experience. And it is beyond contradiction! What avail is it to contradict those who can answer, ‘we know that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit’?
I find Him in secret, I find Him in prayer, In sweet meditation He always is there; My constant Companion, we never will part; All glory to Jesus who reigns in my heart!”
(Trumpets of the Lord: Bramwell Booth speaks – daily readings selected by Catherine Bramwell-Booth April 13th)
May you today profess the HOPE that you have, so that others can know whose you are, and whom you follow! For through the resurrection accounts – HOPE is rekindled! And we will get through this.
The life and times of Perry... 