Thank you for taking time to read this brief message
about our current global health crisis and how we as people of faith can and
should respond.
Like me, you may have been taken by surprise at the
intensity and wide extent of peoples’ reactions in the past week. With the curtailing of air travel, the
indefinite shutdown of school systems, the cancelling of major sports events,
and the hoarding, stockpiling, and price-gouging of healthcare items, there’s
an air of panic and fear that seems to have gripped our nation (and
world).
As Christians, it’s appropriate and necessary that we be
diligent and take precautions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this
disease, which is why we have chosen to suspend all on-site worship services,
small groups, and activities at McKendree UMC for the time being. At the same time, let me offer a few words
of encouragement in the midst of this crisis to remind us of who we are called
to be as God’s people:
1. Look [and pray] for the Helpers —
In one of his syndicated newspaper columns children’s
television host Fred Rogers once wrote the following:
“I was spared from any great disasters when I was little,
but there was plenty of news of them in newspapers and on the radio, and there
were graphic images of them in newsreels.
For me, as for all children, the world could have come to
seem a scary place to live. But I felt secure with my parents, and they let me
know that we were safely together whenever I showed concern about accounts of
alarming events in the world.
There was something else my mother did that I’ve always
remembered: “Always look for the helpers,” she’d tell me. “There’s
always someone who is trying to help.” I did, and I came to see that the world
is full of doctors and nurses, police and firemen, volunteers, neighbors and
friends who are ready to jump in to help when things go wrong.”
We see this same caring and compassionate spirit in the
life of Jesus, as well. In Matthew
9:35-36, for instance, it tells us that...
35 Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching
in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing
every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion
for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a
shepherd.
So, first please join me in giving thanks for and praying
for the safety of those who are helping others in the midst of this health
crisis — pray for our doctors, nurses, health technicians, pharmacists and
clinic staff members who are helping to diagnose and bring healing to those who
have contracted the COVID-19 virus
2.
Pay attention to those in need — James 1:27 tells us that “Religion that
is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and
widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
In the time of the early church, orphans and widows were
unable to care for themselves, and so were often put out on the streets or in
the gutters of Roman society with no means of support, sustenance, or
care. They were literally left to fend
for themselves. The Christians were the
ones, however, who went out of their way to care for them, even though no one
else would. Just as in Jesus’ parable of
the “Good Samaritan,” we as people of faith are to care for our “neighbors” who
can’t care for themselves.
In the midst of this health crisis, you may know people who
are medically vulnerable — perhaps they have a compromised immune system, or
are especially susceptible to illness.
Or you may know those who’s jobs have been suspended for now, and
without the ability to work and receive a paycheck may be in danger
economically. Remember that many people are
only “one paycheck away from poverty.”
So, as you are able, I want to invite you to look out and
care for your neighbors, family and friends, but especially for those who are
likely to be impacted the most severely in this crisis due to existing health
issues and/or their economic circumstances.
3. Finally, remember for yourself (and encourage
others with the fact) that we Christians are people of Faith, not Fear
— people who trust in God’s Presence, rather than allowing ourselves to
fall prey to Panic.
In Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11, we find these words of assurance...
1 God
is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will
not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the
heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains
tremble with its tumult. Selah [Selah
means 'meditate on what’s just been said’]... 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am
exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with
us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah”
These words tell us that though there is certainly reason
to be afraid all around us, we don’t need to allow our spirits to fall into its
grip. We can take appropriate
precautions and measures, but remember Vs. 10, “Be still, and know that I am
God!”
Someone who knew this perhaps far too well was Horatio
Spafford, a devout Christian and a
friend of the famous 19th-century evangelist Dwight L. Moody.
The story is told that in 1873, Spafford and his family
decided to join Dr. Moody on one of his campaigns in Great Britain and then go
on to France for a family vacation, and they booked passage on one of the
safest and most luxurious ships around, the S.S. Ville du Havre.
At the last minute, Spafford was delayed by business in
Chicago, and he told his wife and four
daughters to go ahead, and that he'd join them later. Yet, halfway to Europe, on a calm night, the
Ville du Havre was accidently rammed by another vessel and sank in 15 minutes.
Among those lost were the Spafford’s four daughters. And when the survivors reached Wales, his
wife sent a heartbreaking, two-word transatlantic cable: “Saved. alone.”
Spafford immediately booked passage on another ship, and
halfway to Europe the captain called him to the bridge and told him they were
passing the spot where the Ville du Havre went down. And as Horatio watched the waves roll over
the watery graves of his four daughters, he was said to have taken stock of his
life, taken out a pen, and written these now famous words:
"When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul"
My prayer for you today is that — whatever happens with the
Coronavirus in our community, state, nation and world, and however it affects
you or me personally — your faith in God would constantly remind you that it
can be “well with your soul.”
Please pray with me...
Lord Jesus, thank you for those who are helpers -- our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, those doing testing, and others. Protect them and keep them safe as they help others. We also pray for those most affected by this crisis -- those who are medically vulnerable or those for whom this crisis is causing economic hardship. Help us to know how best to help them, perhaps with a phone call, an online transfer of funds, or more. Most of all, we pray that you enable us to be people of faith, not fear —
people who trust in your presence, rather than give in to panic.
Amen.FF
Now, even though we’re suspending our services and activities
for the time being, I hope you’ll join me online next week as we offer a
virtual worship experience to enable us to continue our “Lord’s Prayer” series.
In the meantime, please use the links below to our online
ministry tools within this email message to continue your faithfulness to God’s
church at McKendree in your giving, your prayers, and in our shared connection
with one another.
God bless you this week, and stay healthy and safe!
Pastor Brian
LINKS:
-Watch this and other McKendree UMC messages and sermons live and pre-recorded on YouTube
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