We Live In Interesting Times
The Pastor’s Ruminations during the Coronavirus, COVID19

April 15, 2020

We looked at Isaiah 40 - 46 on March 22 but attention was primarily on Isaiah 46.

Wayne Riley drew my attention to Isaiah 45 last week. Let me briefly mention what is happening here, then show specifically what Wayne highlighted therein.

Babylon has taken Israel into captivity. They did so as the instrument of God, but that did not mitigate the fact that they were evil people. God raised up another conqueror to punish the Babylonians. That conqueror was Cyrus the Mede. He is named here by Isaiah over 100 years before he was born.

Though an human instrument, he was God’s tool to overthrow wicked Babylon. A key verse (in fact the sentiment is repeated) is “I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me (45:5). Israel had and Babylon did serve deaf mute idols. Such IS NOT the God of Heaven! He is the controlling Lord. He is the God above all gods.

Here is what we need to realize. To oppose Cyrus was to oppose God Himself. In fact, verses 9 and 10 compare telling God He was wrong to use Cyrus was like a piece of clay complaining to the potter or like a child commanding his parents.

I do not like the rules we’ve had placed on us during the COVID19. Missing being together is becoming a deep pain rather than a dull ache. I saw and visited with the David Gauthiers a few minutes the other day. It was a foretaste of heaven! As it should be.

Now, Isaiah 45:7 which Wayne reminded me of:

I form the light and create darkness,
I make peace [well being] and create calamity;
I, the Lord, do all these things.

There is perspective! I have despaired some. This very morning my dear wife noticed and discussed with me an overwhelming issue that is an increasing burden. I am grateful for Wayne reminding me in “these interesting times” that the Eternal God, Who is my Refuge, is not merely NOT in despair, He is arranging earthly events for His own eternal purposes. Good reminders during these interesting times. And words that strengthen and give purpose.

Meditate on Psalm 4:8 when you get into bed tonight.

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I have to confess I’m a bit uneasy about this next thing I want to talk to you about. Perhaps I should say “Why” up front!

People are at different places in life. I want to suggest some ideas about the stimulus check you will be receiving soon. There are many people in our church family for whom this will be a God-send at a moment you desperately need it. It certainly would have been for us 25 or 30 years ago. So, what I have to say is not for that group.

It is for people like Susan and me, though. I appreciated some ideas from Dave Lingle with the Wisconsin Family Council I received the other day. His words were for people who have not suffered direct adversity in these interesting times. He gave some ideas to those of us who don’t necessarily need these funds to “get by.” Actually they are questions. You can think of others.

  • What portion of these funds should go towards the ministry of my local church?
  • What portion of these funds should go towards supporting other Christian ministries? (Christian camps, for example, have suffered the loss of revenue from cancelled retreats and an uncertain summer ministry). Other ministries like Christian schools and pro-life Pregnancy Care Centers may have special needs as well.
  • Are there missionaries we support that have special needs brought on by the challenges of responding to this virus?
  • Do I have family members experiencing special needs that I can help meet with these funds?
  • Are there families in my church experiencing special needs that I can help?
  • What local businesses would benefit from my patronage with some of these funds?
  • How much of these funds should be used to reduce personal debt (mortgage, credit card, etc.)?

* * * * * * * *

Dear Church Family, I want to thank you for your continued generosity in your giving. I have to confess I fully expect us to face grave difficulty in this area, but it certainly has not begun. That is because of your faithfulness.

Send your offering in the mail, drop it by the church office, or give through the church website or Tithe.ly app on your cell phone.

AND, let us know of needs you may learn about. We have benevolence money. We have grocery money. We want to use them!