[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 03/Jan/2021]
Early in December I saw a newspaper cartoon. Someone was standing in front of an advent calendar and saying, “I won’t open the doors. I don’t want any more surprises in 2020.” Although humorous there was truth in those words.
This time last year we would never have believed the devastating surprises the year would have in store for us caused by the pandemic. Surprises that for many would mean loss of life, leading to mourning, loss of jobs and income, with resulting loss of security and mental health, loss of shops and pubs, and loss of the freedom to meet with one another. Yet there have been many good surprises with so many people supporting others who are in need, others inspired to raise enormous amounts of money for the NHS and to support those who do not have enough to live on. Most amazing are the achievements of scientists to rapidly develop vaccines to defeat the virus and give hope for the future.
I have always thought that many of the troubles in the world are brought about by Satan. As an example, Jesus healed a woman who was doubled over and said that she had been bound by Satan for 18 years. But there was a question at the end of an online service recently querying God’s responsibility for our problems. I became aware of the words of God when He said,
“I create the light and make the darkness. I send prosperity and create disaster. I, the Lord am the one who does these things.” [Is 45:7]
Habakkuk saw God moving and said, “Pestilence (disease) marches before him; plague follows close behind.” [Hab 3:5]
Whilst this seems to fit in with our present circumstances, this is so hard to believe of a God who loves us so dearly that He came as a baby at Christmas time. He would later die and rise again to life in order that we may have forgiveness of sins, and also rise to a new life with Him. At the time He said those words of judgement, He was condemning His own people for worshipping meaningless idols. Surely that can’t mean us too? But I remember Russell, our previous Minister, showing a video of Michael Jackson, and saying that the audience were clearly worshiping the singer.
If we’re honest, there are so many things and personalities in life that myself, perhaps any one of us and certainly as a nation, place before God. Celebrities, sports personalities, singers, actors, actresses, and anyone who we feel that what these famous people do are so important in life. I can remember someone dismissing my Christian faith and saying that football and footballers were his religion. As a result of replacing God with these things, so many of the activities represented by them, including those that I have enjoyed, have been temporarily ended by the virus. Theatre, sports events, music festivals, concerts, foreign holidays and many more activities can no longer be enjoyed together. There is nothing wrong with them unless they replace God. We as a nation have forgotten the words of Jesus,
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” [Matt 22:37]
As we go into a New Year with the problems of the pandemic let’s pray the prayer of Habakkuk,
“I have heard all about you, Lord, I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger remember your mercy.” [Habakkuk 3:2]
May we forget about idols and instead put God before everything else. Then we can trust Him and His promise in Hosea: “I will transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.” [Hosea 2:15]
I wish all of you peace, blessings, joy and hope in 2021.
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Contributed by Michael Goble; © the Author
