Happy Easter
During this season we are passing through a global period of illness that has prevented us from joining together with others as is our tradition for Easter. While many are under quarantine, houses of worship are not meeting so there are many ministry cancellations. Even so, God is true to His promises and all of us as Christians are connected by the Holy Spirit during this coronavirus pandemic. Our lives have been affected as we have faced social distancing, the closure of many businesses, and not being able to gather together to worship the Lord. Yet, God has spoken to us throughout the generations through the prophets of old telling us to take our place in preparation for the coming of the Lord. His message is “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, And the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And gross darkness the people: But the LORD shall arise upon thee, And his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, And kings to the brightness of thy rising”. (Isaiah 60:1-3)
This month we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This followed the darkest time the Apostles were yet to face. They had entered triumphantly into Jerusalem with Jesus and days later, everything fell apart when He was taken. He was condemned to death, crucified and buried. That Passover, because the disciples did not believe the words of Jesus, were without hope, direction or plan. As the days went by, they wondered what would happen to them. The Word of God says “Then the same day (the day that Mary had found the empty tomb) at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord”. (John 20:19-20) Finally, they believed because they saw. “…Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Jesus’ appearance brought them new hope. They were about to understand the truths that Jesus had been trying to convey to them during His time on earth.
This was the message, “Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
No one expected the coronavirus. People are fearful, some are panicking, and many are behind closed doors as the best medical minds say we should do. Because of what has come upon the earth, those without Christ have no other recourse but to live in fear. However, as a believer, if you are fearful and panicking, don’t forget what your Father in Heaven has said. In His Word He tells us 365 times “to fear not”. You should rightfully so be concerned and take precautionary measures. Our walk with the Lord is one of faith, hope and trust, not fear, doubt and unbelief. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” (Psalm 46:1-5)
Remember: Not only this month, but at any time: proclaim to others that Jesus is Risen and has a plan and purpose for their lives to bring them hope as He did the disciples.
