The world is in panic right now. Well, here's one way to keep your life TRULY safe!
I was born in the early 90s and this is the first time in my life that I feel like the entire world is one. We have this virus that has penetrated the world. Spain is officially in quarantine: the streets here in Madrid have been emptied, the shops and restaurants closed and our only interaction with each other is when we go out on balconies, clapping and singing together (as in Italy) to keep people's spirit alive.
There is so much to tremble at when we look at the news. But I'm not here to repeat what we already know but here to give you some good news.
There is one thing that's happening that I think deserves a great amount of praise and that is our unity. I truly admire how quickly countries can come together and stand for the same thing when danger calls. How amazing it is to be so connected and fight this in caution and care.
However, the interesting part is the reason behind our sudden and united front: death. Death is the one thing we will always have in common. We are all here temporarily and we will all face it one day. And the fear of death is one thing that'll always have people obey whatever rule they need in order to ensure their own safety, and the safety of their families.
Death does not end life, death starts it.
But what if I told you that your life is still in danger? Even in your very house? What if I told you that you can wear all the masks you like and wash your hands seventy times a day, and it would still not be enough?
Life is a fragile thing. It's like a flower that withers slowly to its final days having had beauty, movement and nourishment and still it dies because none of those things were enough. However, despite popular belief, death does not end life, death starts it. It introduces a life that is eternal and far more valuable than our mortal life.
The Bible says that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16). This eternal life is to be lived in heaven with Jesus and angels and the amazing abundance of joy and love that is prepared for His children. However, good will always have the contrast of evil. So if there's heaven, then there's hell too.
When it comes to dying, we immediately run to a safe place on this earth. So why not run to the safest place there is? Jesus.
All forms of obligation, religion and intentions of persuasion aside: I just want to do something during this tough time. I want to help someone too.
I see the world in such panic and anguish and it aches my heart. Not just because of the obvious things, but because so many people are going through this alone. They are basically waiting for death and hoping it passes by their door.
In Exodus we have the story of Moses in Egypt. God had sent plagues over Egypt to make Pharaoh release God's people from slavery. And the last plague, the worst of them all, was death of the firstborn. But God had told Moses that all the Israelites are to smear the blood of a lamb over their doors that death may not enter there (Exodus 12:13).
Today, that lamb is Jesus. The blood shed on the cross for our sins is what we smear on our doors and foreheads: He is the one that will keep us safe.
And He can keep us safe not just now, against a virus, but against hell and death itself. He calls us to be children of light in the kingdom of Heaven! How beautiful is that!
I just want to impart hope in Christ today. Know that He loves you so dearly and He calls you out by your very name to come, listen and believe in Him and in the incredible life He has prepared for you to live. Let us stand together not just in the unity of caution but in unity of faith and love, and most of all in unity for salvation in Christ!
This is a call to action for you to come to your heavenly father today! He awaits you, Ben, Luis, Mauricio, Frieda, Hal, Kim, James, Ryan, Pedro, Miriam, Sheila, Sam, Rodrigo, Rachel, Dominic, Florencia!
He knows your name and He is calling!
You are a CHILD OF GOD! What greater honour than being a prince or a princess of the Kingdom of Heaven! Now celebrate with me for our hope is found in Jesus!
Below are song lyrics that are so perfect for this situation. This song has been on my heart for a while now. Have a read, maybe God wants to tell you something through these words too:
"Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Jesus is calling Have you come to the end of yourself Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Jesus is calling
O come to the altar The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes Come today there's no reason to wait Jesus is calling Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy From the ashes a new life is born Jesus is calling
Oh what a savior
Isn't He wonderful?
Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen
Bow down before Him
For He is Lord of all
Sing Hallelujah, Christ is risen
Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you found."