April 2020

Dear Church,

                              If not now, when?

Our world is being violently shaken by the coronavirus outbreak. Every organisation is shutting their regular businesses including church services. In history, we have never heard of Sunday service closures including during the world war. We get frustrated about not being able to come and worship God. When Christians follow government guidance and medical advice to, say, drastically reduce all social contacts, this is not an expression of unbelief (as though God did not have the power to protect or heal us). Rather, it is a demand of wisdom and, especially, of neighbourly love. Of course, abiding this shows our obedience to authorities (as scripture commands us) and a way of showing our compassion to the community. There are lots of opportunities widespread before us now to reflect, think and act. Lessons to learn and practice including being not self-centered.

This is a potential season to outreach and lit the light of Jesus in people’s hearts. When, if not now, is the church called to rise and shine? No weapon (Corona) formed against us shall remain! For fighting against the anxiety, we need to be assured of God’s love and guidance in our personal life. Only then, can we share the confidence with others. In situations like these, one of the best things we can do is remember just how great, how good, how strong and mighty, how faithful our God truly is. Personally, I find it most helpful in such situations to meditate on verses of Scripture (Psalm 23), that I think through, pray through, feel through, chew through, carry in my heart, and digest inwardly. First, David proclaims God’s making, leading and guiding faithfulness and he slowly and steadily steers towards self-assurance as the language turns from ‘He’ (Vs.1-3) to ‘You’ (Vs. 4-6). Both are necessary now currently, self-strengthening and sharing Christ with others. Let us continue doing the same keeping trust in God.
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God Bless,
Amutha

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