On the eve of Pentecost, as we consider the unusual season that we have found ourselves in, one of the many things that the prophetic voices have been saying is that God is calling this a time of reset and more than that, a reset for righteousness.
This virus and the lockdown that has followed has given not only society but also Christians and the church the opportunity to re-evaluate every aspect of life. The world has much to say about the changes that have occurred in working practices, family life, shopping, eating, entertainment and exercise and my prayer is that society will be irrevocably changed for the better. Selfishness has taken the back seat into a far greater care for one another and thankfulness for some of our institutions like NHS and teachers. There are also the bigger benefits of cleaner air, less noise from traffic and planes, and an appreciation for nature. Exercise is one area that has grown exponentially and I love seeing families out together walking, running or cycling and I pray this will continue into the days ahead.
The Church too and our lives as Christians have also been greatly impacted. Not many had heard of Zoom three months ago. We are now all experts at joining church, small groups and prayer meetings online. The vast array of Christian material that is available online has meant access and often the time to feast on this banquet.
But what does reset for righteousness mean for us individually as Christians? This is the time to re-evaluate our priorities. Some may be busier than before but for many we now have quality time to spend each day with the Lord which helps to really refresh our relationship with God. Everyone with children has now experienced the reality of spending 24/7 with their family. This can cause stresses and strains but I have been so blessed to hear of families spending time together praying or reading the Word as well as enjoying family life. This has also been a time of prioritising and building relationships. We may not be able to meet our extended family, friends or church face to face but we can still chat, eat and pray together online.
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| One of the phenomenal blessing to the nation |
This is not the time to be looking back with longing to how things were. As God says in Isaiah 43: 18 – 19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
This is a second opportunity to do things right – to save the planet from our selfish disregard for nature and the environment, to care for others, to be less selfish and as Christians it is the perfect time to be preparing for the coming era by making sure we have oil in our lamps, that our relationship with God is fresh and vibrant, that we have dug deep into the Word and have been encouraged, instructed and filled afresh by the Holy Spirit.
There is going to be a new look for this planet, a new look for society and a new look for the Church. Are we getting ready for this new era? Are we standing ready to play our role? Have we evaluated our lives letting the old habits that produced so many stresses drop away and letting the new way of thinking, of life, of godliness rise up? Let’s hit the reset and be ready.
