"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:5 NIV)
It is no secret that we are in the midst of a serious crisis with the corona virus pandemic. Every day we receive the latest reports through television or other social media of the increasing number of cases as well as those who have died from complications associated with the virus. It feels like we are smothered with darkness and surrounded by death on every side. At my home, we have a bird box attached to our deck. As spring approaches and the weather begins to warm, it is always interesting to see who will be the new occupants of the house. This year it is a pair of house sparrows. As I sat in my den, watching their activity, it occurred to me that these birds live in the same world as I do. Yet, they are not preoccupied with the chaos going on around them but rather they are focused on preparing to bring new life into the world. Yes, while death and darkness right now appear to be our daily companions, we can easily miss out on the reality that new life still takes place. Nature does not deviate from the rhythmic dance that comes with the seasonal changes. God doesn't suddenly change the script on how nature operates when a crisis takes place. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus encourages us not to worry and uses the birds as an example, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26 NIV)
GOD IS WITH US!
I do not want to imply in any way, shape, or form that we throw fear and anxiety out the window when it comes to this pandemic. We are human and under the circumstances it is quite normal to experience these feelings. To try and cover up our concerns and attempt to quench all fear and anxiety through adopting a "super spiritual" attitude is presenting a false self and denying our humanity. Jesus in Matthew chapter 6 is trying to encourage us not shame us. He is pointing to God's sovereignty over all situations and circumstances. God is with us!
GOD IS MAKING ALL THINGS NEW
Moreover, in the book of Revelation, John points to new life beyond this world! Many people often get bogged down in the temporary and dismiss the eternal. Yes, we will make it through this corona virus crisis but after all is said and done, if we do not consider things eternal, we have missed a huge message. In the verse from Revelation 21:5, we are told God is making everything new. In the Greek, the present tense is considered a tense of ongoing action. In other words not only is God making everything new (happening right now), He will continue that process, until we reach the final consummation of all things, a new heaven and a new earth. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a beautiful bride dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:1-4 NIV)
JESUS IS OUR HOPE
New life and the passing away of the old order of things started with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On April 12th, we will celebrate Easter. Although we cannot be together physically, it does not change the reality of Christ's victory over sin and death. No pandemic will ever rob us of the gift of salvation we have received because He is risen! So, let us learn a lesson from our resident sparrow couple that are focused on bringing forth new life in the midst of chaos. Our God is making all things new! He's bringing life out of the darkness and it's because of Jesus!
Have a Blessed Easter!
Pastor Sheree
