Saturday Reflection \u2013 26 September 2020<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cFor I am with you, says the Lord, to save you.\u201d Jeremiah 30:11<\/p>\n\n\n
Since the ongoing pandemic, the world has been placed in a standstill. The things that we have been used to such as our way of worship, (especially in celebrating our Special Services) school, work and just our general way of living has been affected. And the thing is, many of us thought that this would be a six-month inconvenience, but it is clearer now, that life will not be the same again. and we now must contemplate a new normal.<\/p>\n\n\n
As we read Jeremiah 30, we see just how the destruction and exile had affected the Israelites. In verses 5-6, Jeremiah says \u201cThus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his loins like a woman in labour? Why has every face turned pale?\u201d There has been much anxiety and grappling fear over the rising number of positive cases; the resources needed for an effective teaching-learning environment, the constant need to wear masks and sanitize has brought on some uneasiness and apprehension.<\/p>\n\n\n
Yet still, as Jeremiah preaches God\u2019s message of hope and restoration, it becomes even more relevant as we confront the lasting effects of COVID-19. God had promised the nations of Israel and Judah that he will \u201c\u2026break the yoke from off his neck, and \u2026 will burst his bonds\u2026\u201d (vs. 8) And encourages his people saying \u201c\u2026have no fear, my servant Jacob, says the Lord, and do not be dismayed, O Israel; for I am going to save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and no one shall make him afraid.\u201d (vs. 10) In the same way, we are today encouraged. For like the people, this disaster may seem unending and would just worsen as the days go on. But God reminds us that he will save us, will redeem us from captivity (even the captivity of our homes due to COVID-19) and we will return to quiet and ease and we shall not be afraid anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n
And God will save us. Today\u2019s watchword is a reminded that those footprints in the sand, are still evident in today\u2019s world. That though we have tribulation, the one who has overcome the world, walks closely beside us. He is the one that will save us. In this resolve, we see our anxieties and perplexities, the uneasiness and fear being replaced with the power, the love and the sound mind given to us by his refreshing Holy Spirit. Allow his peace then, that passes all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n
Until next week, as we continue to journey through this pandemic, wearing masks, sanitizing, and constantly checking our temperatures. May we continue to place everything in God\u2019s hands while we continually wash ours. For God is with us and will save us. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n
Dominic J. Blair<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Saturday Reflection \u2013 26 September 2020 \u201cFor I am with you, says the Lord, to save you.\u201d Jeremiah 30:11 Since the ongoing pandemic, the world has been placed in a standstill. The things that we have been used to such as our way\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"template":"","watchword_topic":[12],"class_list":["post-335","watchword","type-watchword","status-publish","hentry","watchword_topic-hope"],"yoast_head":"\n