Since this crisis began I have suggested the we might set aside an hour on a Wednesday evening at 7:30pm, or at a time that fits with your daily schedule in the middle of the week for prayer and reflection on what is happening in our individual and collective lives at this time. I am deeply conscious that some readers of this daily message will have more time than usual available, but by contrast others will be under greater pressures than in a ‘normal’ week prior to the start of this crisis. We stand together as a community of Christian people seeking God’s help and guidance to help us get through this difficult time together.
This health crisis we are experiencing will not be over quickly and even if it lasts ‘only’ a few months, the economic dislocation each country is experiencing will take longer to put right. A passage very suitable for our reflection today comes from the book of Hebrews. The recipients of this New Testament book were Italian followers of Jesus going through a horrendously difficult time. Some were clearly struggling to see whether they could carry on any longer. It was felt to be that bad.
Hebrews chapter 11, prior to the verses below, is a summary account of men and women who had triumphed against great adversity against the odds. It concludes in Hebrews 11:39-40, prior to advising them and us how to keep going in tough times in Hebrews 12:1-3.
It states: These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that was set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 11:39-12:3) What advice does our author give us for today?
1. I will be encouraged by those who have gone before me(Hebrews 11:39-40)
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. If you read through the earlier verses of Hebrews chapter eleven it is a list of accomplishments against the odds, of people who kept going when it might have been far easier to quit. As a teenager I remember the great British shot-putter Geoff Capes explaining his philosophy for success in his chosen athletic discipline: ‘No pain no gain, no pain no glory’. Quitting was simply not an option in the mind of one of this country’s greatest field athletes.
The author of Hebrews has given us a list of named individuals who triumphed and came through their ordeals alive and then a summary list of others whose victories were at the cost of their own deaths. Each was equally commended for their bravery and endurance. These were all commended for their faith he wrote. The individuals cited in this chapter lived in different centuries. What they succeeding in doing varied greatly, but they faced up to the challenge that faced them and which they could not avoid. None of them were looking for fame and glory or to be a hero, but simply sought to do what needed to be done at that time. It is in principle no different to us alive at this time in history.
We are facing difficult times in numerous countries around the globe. Some individuals on our behalf are courageously battling at the front-lines in the health services; many more of us have other contributions to make, but to accomplish the goal we must work effectively together. We all have named persons who inspired us from the past, now the baton has been passed to us to play our parts in accomplishing a collective victory over the unseen enemy in our midst. Then and now victory will be accomplished by effective team-working. Who has been your biggest inspiration?
2. I will dispose of anything that hinders me (Hebrews 12:1a)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. (a)Letting go of that which is unnecessary let us throw off everything that hinders…Professional sports people know that to accomplish their goals sacrifices need to be made. Their dietary preferences and social life, for example, will be greatly constrained compared to some of their friends. Why? In order to give their best to accomplish a set goal; on my computer sometimes there is a clean-up required to enable it to run more efficiently.
Similarly in our lives we sometimes need to reset our priorities to ensure that what is most important gains its rightful place in our schedules. Is there any decluttering you need to look at today? (b) Letting go of that which is wrong… and the sin that so easily entangles Sadly, a number of athletes over the years have taken illegal substances to boost their performances and many have later had to hand back medals won at the Olympic Games as a result. Our author issues a challenge to us not to cut corners or do things we know are not right. To maintain our integrity whatever we are doing is the principle commended. There are a lot of things we have no control over –but the maintenance of our integrity is a choice we can make? Have I recently or am I currently facing a temptation to do something I know is not right? What steps can I put in place to ensure I make the best choices?
3. I will choose to persevere until I cross the finish line And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… (Hebrews 12:1b); Our lives are closer to a marathon than a sprint. To be successful in any line of work for many years, for example, requires sheer hard work it is not luck or chance. Likewise, effective parenting takes sustain consistent efforts to achieve any kind if successful outcome. The discipline of making consistent right choices through this covid-19 crisis will at times be hard or in some cases extremely difficult in order to accomplish the goal we seek. In what areas of my life do I need God’s help and further strength to keep going at this time? Let’s bring it to God in our prayers.
I am thankful to John Steer for providing points for our prayers and reflections today:
Prayers for Disruptive Times
We thank you God our Divine Father, in whom we have come to trust, that nothing is beyond your reach and capacity to handle our concerns for the past present and future.
We therefore bring our prayers to you through Jesus your son and our Saviour, knowing that He identifies with our humanness and will ultimately overcome even our worst fears as His resurrection proved.
We remember those who are involved with treating patients for all disorders in our hospitals, especially those with Covid-19. May they be protected from infection; Also pray for staff in children’s hospitals that have to comfort youngsters who cannot receive visits from parents; likewise, the anguished parents.
Be with all who are awaiting surgery that has been postponed. Alleviate their pain and discomfort and give them fortitude to cope with life’s challenges.
Pray for sound judgement by our Government and their advisors in combating the epidemic. Thank God for the willingness of volunteers to be involved, and that the organisation and cooperation between management teams will be harmonious and efficient.
Comfort those who have lost loved ones. Help them deal with the restrictions for funeral gatherings.
Be with all who feel frustrated that special occasions have had to be cancelled after much planning.
We thank God for modern communication networks that can enable groups to keep in touch with each other. Give thanks that our Congregation can access daily encouragements, a full Sunday Worship outline and Church Magazine. Pray for Brian our Pastor who provides the daily link and his involvement with the Pastoral Team and the Broughty Ferry Foodbank initiative.
Remember those who are juggling life by working from home and have children to care for. Give them patience and grace with each other as tensions arise when restrictions apply.
We ask that scholars and students who have been working towards qualifications and experienced closure of schools, colleges and universities, will adjust to distance learning and get the support they need from their institutions. Pray for those known to you.
We pray for those impacted by loss of earnings due to the nature of their work that resources can be found, and we become sensitive to the need of genuine hardship. Give thanks that institutions are easing requirements on loans and rentals. Pray that the Government’s promised help can be delivered on time.
Remember in earnest prayer the plight of those in less able and prepared countries to deal with Covid-19. May the lack of travel options in third-world nations curtail the spread. Conversely pray for developed and sophisticated areas of the world who are reeling under the strain of multiple fatalities.
Finally, as we remember the words of our Lord’s prayer, ‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done’, may we, who have the Eternal Hope in Christ within us, not be slow to make our requests known to Him.
Brian Talbot