Rev. 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”
And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.
Frustrations and impatience seem to be spreading, widely. Restrictions that seemed to make good sense a little while ago have become burdensome to many. Calls for “liberation” are being given wide distribution. There’s no question that people need to be employed where possible. Efforts to assist those who have lost jobs, have very reduced hours, or whose businesses are failing seem to be fairly well intentioned, but marginally effective at best. Decisions to relax restrictions come with their own sets of probable consequences, and disagreements as to who is most responsible for uncertain results. We are all becoming increasingly aware that one size cannot fit all, no matter how hard we try to package solutions.
Can we balance needs in a way that helps without risking whatever gains have been achieved so far? Over the past few weeks we have been encouraged by the response and adaptations that have enabled us to be more connected, willing to take a revised look at our personal priorities, and generally making adjustments that are in line with what we consider to be important. Many people have shared a new reliance on Bible study, prayer groups, even becoming familiar with how ZOOM can enable us to share without violating social distance requirements. There have been experiences of “Sabbath” time that have often renewed a restoration of the peace that passes understanding. I hope that we can keep our hearts and minds focused on the many positives that have been achieved, even though we are not out of the virus or economic woods yet.
Throughout all the adjustments during these days of concern with the virus and the tremendous effects on world economies, many of us have enjoyed a growing appreciation for our relationship with our Lord. The assurances we have been reminded of while “The storms of life are raging” have provided stability in the midst of lots of chaos. May we all continue to hear the voice calling us forward.
Hymn #350 may be unfamiliar, but it speaks to our time:
Come, all of you, come, men and women, come forward,
drink of the water provided for you;
all of you who are thirsty, come to me
to drink from the water of life,
provided by Jesus your Lord.
Come, all of you, come, bearers of burden, come forward,
I will give you rest; don’t wait for long;
All of you who are weary, come to me, the Christ
Jesus the Lord of all, the Savior, King of humankind.
God, thank you for being our stability, encouragement, and peace.
May we come to more awareness of your will, and
dedicate ourselves to follow where we are led.
Convict, convert, and consecrate our hearts and lives
to our great good and to your greater glory;
we ask for the sake of Jesus our Christ. Amen.
Pastor David