This week has shown yet another level of restriction for our community and our church. With the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order from our governor, everyone is now more affected by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is still unclear though what effect this level of restriction will have on us, and depending on the person, can be a very difficult time. Yet there are also graces strewn throughout. I share two stories that show this paradox, from our church family this week.
In light of the news of the "Stay Home" order, our own Jennifer Burns knew her wedding, scheduled for March 28th, would be nonexistent. I received a call on Monday from her, asking "Can you possibly marry us today?" Julia was at work, and I knew doing a wedding with about 7 hours’ notice, and two "helpers" would be interesting. But it was also the best thing I could do that day. In days of uncertainty, for Jennifer and Tim to face them as a family and as one, was a decision of faith. I was so refreshed to be part of a moment so forward-leaning when we cannot even plan a dentist appointment for next month. Perhaps that is one thing that the Lord is teaching us right now. Not to make plans, but to tend our covenants.
We cannot make plans. We do not know what is in store. Or what will be on the shelves in the store. But we are reminded by the Scriptures to not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Sufficient for today is its own trouble. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV). Jesus tells us not to worry about the plans. Instead, keep the covenant. Seek first God's kingdom, and his righteousness, and the rest will take care of itself. Or better still, God will take care of us.
The second story is the other extreme. This week, Jeni and Bernie Deuling had to say goodbye as their son Anthony went home to be with the Lord. He battled cancer valiantly, and he is at rest. But in a time of such upheaval, it is even more excruciating than normal. Memorial services are on hold. Family cannot travel from out of town to grieve together. Restrained by the current situation, sorrow is even forced to comply to this strange isolation. As you pray for the Deuling family, pray they are able to pray the complaints and hope of the Psalms.
"How long, O Lord?" is a Christian prayer (Psalm 13). It is a prayer that knows the current situation is not right. And it is also a prayer that knows God enough that he says he's supposed to make it right. We cannot know his plans, nor his timing. And to be sure, there will be more days ahead where everything feels out of joint. But we know his covenant. “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’”[1] We cling to this; not a plan, but a promise. And that promise has a name.
Jesus honored a couple in marriage by providing the best wine.[2] And he is the same Jesus who wept at Lazarus’ tomb, and asking Martha to believe he can raise the dead. More than that, he is the resurrection.[3] He rejoices and mourns with us, while also being the “yes” to everything God has promised us. Yes, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV). We believe in him. When we keep covenant even when we cannot make plans, we are keeping covenant by trusting in the covenant of Christ; God’s promise of forgiveness and new life in Jesus’ cross and resurrection.
How might the Lord be calling you to remember his "great and precious promises" when your plans are up in the air right now? How might you be refreshed in your allegiance to the Lord Jesus rather than your plans of how to serve him?
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 ESV)
[1] Revelation 21:5 ESV
[2] Gospel according to John, chapter 2.
[3] “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25–26 ESV)