This week I had an interesting discussion with my neighbor, who is an account executive and a committed Christian. She described the challenges working from home while we are trying to “slow the spread” of COVID-19. Sure, there are some issues with technology, but she said the greatest issues are “people issues”. When structure and strategy have been interrupted, there is tension, irritability and panic. We talked in general terms about how differently people respond who are in relationship with our Lord Jesus. His peace – and every fruit of the Spirit- is spotlighted in times like these. (See Galatians 5:22-24). My pastor husband says it this way: “The darker the dark the brighter the light!”
When I contemplate 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (…we do not grieve as those without hope) it occurs to me that this Scripture could apply to a number of emotions and experiences (i.e. anger, financial setbacks, health crises, etc.) Our Living Hope enables us to respond differently.
If we want to shame complainers, the stock illustration is the liberated but grouchy Israelites in search of their Promised Land. The following passage describes their crisis at Marah, where there was no fresh water.
So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore, the name of it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. (Exodus 15:22-25)
So what can we put into our difficult – even bitter –circumstances that will make life sweet again? For Moses it was a log (or tree). Symbolically, it is the same for us. The “tree” is Calvary’s Cross, where Jesus gave everything for us. Let’s invite Him into every situation.
As we approach Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, remember that the bitter, polluted “waters” can be made sweet again by His presence.