Since the beginning of January, I decided to read the Bible chronologically for the year 2021, and earlier this month, I finished up the book of Numbers. As many of you know, following Genesis, the next five books of the Bible, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua, teach us about the Israelites’ journey as they leave Egypt, wander through the desert, and arrive at the Promised Land. We read about a people who were reckless, fearful, and faithless. We hear about statements they made such as, “Back in Egypt…” and “God has brought us out here to die!” What we have learned is that these behaviors—the fits and tantrums—are indicative of something greater, deeper, and go beyond their physical needs—it is a lack of deep faith, spirituality, and trust of God.

Presently, we see a lot of the same feelings the Israelites expressed in the Old Testament in our world today. We have heard of states opening up quickly because folks want to get back to “the way we were,” only to close again because it was not time. On several occasions, the Israelites were really close to the Promised Land, but were not permitted to enter because they did not believe in God’s faithfulness and, therefore, had to wait even longer. We know that the Israelites state of frustration does not stay that way and nor will ours. We read at the beginning of Joshua that the Israelites finally make it to the promised land. Why did that happen? One reason is because those who would not listen to God and would not believe in His faithfulness, no matter how much He proved himself, finally died off. Joshua and Caleb were the only two that were permitted to enter the promised land who were also in Egypt. The second reason is because they finally listened to God and followed the instructions that God set out for them. We know that God’s timing is perfect. We know that we will get through this pandemic together when we start to listen to God and do what we are being instructed to do. We are slowly moving forward. Why? Because we are listening and doing our part—as small as it may seem—so that we can safely return to in-person worship, events, and activities.

So, what have we learned since March 2020? One thing is we must be adaptable and willing to change. Sometimes we get caught up in the tasks of doing rather than listening. For example, we often hear the phrase, “it has always been done this way” when we are faced with changes someone is trying to make. As humans, we do not like change very much, do we? But we must move forward and trust God. Another thing we have learned is that we must be patient. Before, during, and after the pandemic, we have focused more on instant gratification rather than on long term spiritual maturing. We must trust that God’s timing is perfect, regardless of the plans and timeframes we have created.

Now, what do we do with these lessons learned as we begin to emerge from COVID-19 like the Israelites did from Egypt? We work to grow and deepen our true sense of the Spirit working in our lives, in our church, and in our communities. How do we do that? We participate in growth groups, connect with each other, become more connected with, not only those we know at church, but also with folks who are newcomers or faces we’ve seen but never talked to in the past.

Also, we must work together to understand beyond what we can see or comprehend in a way that actually requires faith without sight. If only we would listen, we can be a part of something new and beautiful that is happening. Rather than asking ourselves what has been taken away from us as a result of COVID-19, maybe we should be asking ourselves what has God given us? If we take the time to listen to God and each other, we will learn that God is doing something. Something is happening, but we must have faith in God and recognize that He knows what He is doing.

It is also important to remember during these challenging times in our lives that when we trust God, darkness will become light. We must remember, the resurrection happened during the night, and there was joy in the morning!

As we near Easter, we are reminded that our sorrow on Good Friday is made joy by Christ’s resurrection on Sunday! We need to be reminded of the words an angel of the Lord said to Mary Magdalene as seen in Matthew 28, “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’” When we trust God and His plan, we do not need to be afraid because Christ IS risen and is already ahead of us in the future—making all things new.

As we approach Holy Week, may we allow the liturgy and Words of Scripture to wash over us anew with a renewed mind and heart.

This month, may we listen to the whispers of God and feel the love of Christ as we survey the wondrous cross. May we reflect on what it means to us when we hear the words from the Angel of the Lord when they said to Mary Magdalene, “Do not be afraid… He is not here.” May we faithfully listen to what God is telling us, trusting in Him and His plans, knowing that we are not alone. May we remember, the resurrection happened during the night, and there was joy in the morning.

Blessings dear friends!

Mitch Hortert
SUMC Administrative Council Chair

Photo by flicksmores