Unprecedented

How many times in the past two weeks have you heard this word: "unprecedented"? Or these: "crisis," "unprepared," "social distance," "shortage," "concern"?

We are in the first stages of dramatic change, with the end results not clearly known. Understandably this causes anxiety and distress, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on an economy that seems to be shutting down. Newsfeeds, radio broadcasts, television reports, newspaper coverage ... none of it sounds remotely good or encouraging.

You may have experienced a similar situation with your significant other, neighbors, friends or others in your personal sphere. There are alarmists ("Life as we know it is over"), there are deniers ("This is all being overly played by the media"), and then there are the rest of us. We want to exercise appropriate precautions, avoid being infected or spreading infection and carry on with our lives as normally as possible.

While the COVID-19 Virus is, indeed, a sobering reality for us in our time, it is important for us to remember that throughout the centuries people of faith have encountered significant challenges. We are not the first people to face what feels ominous and threatening.

* What about December 7, 1941, when American citizens were overwhelmed by an aggressive attack from a wartime enemy

* Or September 11, 2001, when over 3,000 lives were lost in a series of maniacal actions on the part of hate-mongers

* Or the Great Depression of the 1930s which had economic impact across the globe

* And, of course, the Influenza Epidemic of 1918, in which one-third of the world's population became infected, and 50 million worldwide perished (of which 675,000 were deaths in the USA)

* To extend back more than a generation, there was the War Between the States, in which more than 620,000 soldiers lost their lives

And these are only events occurring on American soil. I could add countless other atrocities and tragedies from world history, the ravages of warfare, disease, starvation and deprivation.

Throughout the eras, God's people have distinguished themselves with acts of care, compassion and love for neighbor. My word of encouragement is that we continue to respond to the current crisis in a way that reflects Jesus best advice. When asked to identify the very groundwork of life and faith, Jesus said: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself."

Although we are not currently able to meet together in worship, we are able to love God and neighbor. Perhaps now more than ever we have the time and the distance from distraction to be more intentional to practice our Christian lives. We can pray, we can read Scripture, we can sing. We can open our ears and hearts to our neighbors, even while practicing "safe distancing." We can be good neighbors by doing our part to prevent the spread of a noxious virus the preys upon the unsuspecting until the infection has taken hold. In this age of technology, we can connect through calls, video chats, Facebook, and other social media. 

My prayer is that this period of time -- however long it takes -- will be an unprecedented time for God's people to remain strong and faithful -- albeit from a necessary distance -- for a world that needs a little hope right now.

Pastor Bart