BH Bulletin - Thursday 26 November 2020

Thought for the Day by Simon James-Morse
​(Minister of Goldstone Church)

                                   Christ > Covid19
“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)
 
Depending on which headline you read, the interruptions, cancellations, and social isolations in our lives are far from over. After weeks of self-separation, I miss being with my family, my church family, and friends. (I miss the good-old-days when Amazon deliveries didn’t have to be left on the front doorstep!)
 
But there is a silver lining to this lockdown cloud. After all, we worship a God who has promised that everything is underneath the complete control of Jesus. So, this may sound strange, but even this virus must bend its knee and submit to Jesus.
 
All through history the equation has always been the same:
Christ > _____
[Jesus Christ ]   [is greater than]   [anything]
 
Joseph (in the Old Testament) could not have known the good that would come after his brothers betrayed him and the endless nights that he spent quarantined in an Egyptian prison. But God was in control and He was greater than the circumstances.
 
Similarly, Joseph (in the New Testament) could not have imagined the Messiah coming to earth when Caesar Augustus issued an inconveniently timed decree. (Bethlehem? Now? With Mary pregnant? Are you serious?). But God was in control and He was greater than the circumstances.
 
So, what could God be saying to us today through these difficult times. Can God really use every infection, every fear, every detour in our lives for His plans and His purposes? The answer is an overwhelming “Yes”.
 
Romans 8:28 is not a cliché, but the truth:
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)
 
The equation is unchanged: Christ > Covid19

Prayer
Dear Lord, You know that we live in a crazy and chaotic world. You also know our struggles in our daily lives. When life gets to be too much, please help us to swiftly come to You, our Prince of Peace. Calm our thoughts, our emotions, and open our hearts to Your peace, comfort, and wisdom. Help us to rest in You, and to trust You wholeheartedly as we navigate through this broken world. In Jesus’ name, Amen
​
Simon

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