[This is one in a series of mid-week Reflections published by Horley Baptist Church during November 2020]
Last week, Martin discussed the potential of a return to normality[1]. In an echo of Pilate’s question we might ask “What is normality?” Using mathematical terms, is normality a constant or a variable, or even an unknown? Is your version of normality the same as mine?
One thing that Martin emphasised is that normality should not be a return to ‘business as before’, as if nothing had happened. Too many things have happened this year, too many lives have been changed, too many lives have been lost. There is an opportunity to learn a lot of valuable lessons – will that opportunity too be lost?
One hundred years ago people were struggling to come to terms with a new normality after the end of world war I: new social structures, new national boundaries, new forms of government, new technologies born through adversity. Did they learn the lessons? Apparently inadequately so as the lesson was repeated a generation later.
Pandemics are not new: in 1620, leptospirosis; in 1720, bubonic plague; in 1820 cholera; in 1920 Spanish flu; in 2020, corona virus. Unfortunately for conspiracy theorists this list is not exhaustive, there were many other widespread outbreaks of illness in the intervening years too. Could it be that pandemics are actually part of normality?
The Bible does not have a lot to say about normality. Maybe the concept of normality is too much of a variable when the Bible prefers to deal with constants. The constancy of mankind’s desire to live without God contrasts with the constancy of God’s character, His word and His love for His people.
Are you fearful about the absence of normality and an uncertain future? Deuteronomy 31 v6 reminds us:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you
Let us be encouraged by these words from James Small:
I’ve found a friend, O such a friend! All power to Him is given,
To guard me on my onward course, and bring me safe to heaven:
The eternal glories gleam afar to nerve my faint endeavour;
So now to watch, to work, to war, and then to rest forever.
[1] Is the church going back to normal? YouTube link – Transcription
~~~~~~~~
.
Return to Mid-week Meditations
Jump to Index of Bible Passages
.
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
