Sneezing spreads viruses. So we cast sly unapproving glances at any stranger sniffling, hoping a water droplet shower isn't about to happen. Armed with spray sanitizer or germ fighting wipes, or both, we hurry to finish the shopping trip and return to the fairly safe haven of home. However even here, we wash hands frequently and remember not to itch, stroke or rub our faces, or even strike that ponder-and-think pose of fist supporting chin. If you haven't been an OCD freak before, it might feel like you're on the verge of the diagnosis now.
What a crazy time! Yet what a time for God to arise and let his enemies be scattered. There's no better time to sneeze Jesus. Spread his infection, infest our environment with his Kingdom words and actions.
LET US PROVOKE ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS
How creatively we're doing this right now. Facebook posts of scripture or sermons, or live videos from pastors, have replaced pictures of fancy restaurant meals and vacation fantasies. Here are some internet gems I've been enjoying.
Daily Audio Bible
I've borrowed the phrase, Sneezing Jesus, from Brian Hardin who hosts the Daily Audio Bible. He reads through the Bible to his listeners in one year, and every day is a brand new recording. He's done it since 2007, every day new. Sometimes he'll give commentary on what he's read, and the broadcast ends with several prayers or requests from his global community of members. He wrote a book, Sneezing Jesus, and is currently reading a chapter from that book every day, after the Bible reading. It's only the second day today, so a great time to jump into this wonderful, daily encouragement from the Bible and a book that shares the awesome teaching and person of Jesus Christ.
I use the DAB app and find it a great place to start or end my day in bed. You can find it in the app store for any device. It may cost .99 for other than iPhone users.
Sermons
Our pastor had an excellent sermon on March 15 on how to balance our need for caution with the pandemic, with continuing to minister to those who need help.
Elevation church's sermon on March 22rd was so relevant to the current situation. The pastor used the text from Joshua 3 where the Israelites are finally getting to enter the Promised Land.
Verses 3-5:
[officers gave] "orders to the people: 'When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits (about half a mile)between you and the ark; do not go near it.' Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'" They were on the verge of a miracle; they would see the flooded Jordan River back up and make a dry path for them to walk through.
By following God's presence we will know how to handle this time. Keeping a distance between them and the Ark of the Covenant would have allowed everyone to see it. If they were allowed closer only the ones in front would see it. They all needed to see because it was an unknown way for all of them. (thoughts from Mathew Henry commentary)
CONSECRATE YOURSELVES. GOD WANTS TO DO AMAZING THINGS!
We are! Let's keep it up. We have time to read his word more, pray, share spiritual truths with our children and grand children and fill our thoughts with his goodness and creative ways to "be together". Who knows what character, what patience he is developing among his people and what he will do as we prepare our hearts to receive more of him? We are on the verge of amazing things!
Social Media and Technology
I've learned to do group Facetime calls. I see families exercising together, baking, making masks, singing birthday songs to a neighbor from their deck, 'visiting' the elderly with a phone call outside their window. I see teachers parading in their cars through residences where their school children live and exchanging waves between car and porch. A school bus passes with a sign in the window that reads FOOD BUS, and I know underprivileged kids are still being fed.
Back to Basics
I walked today and found neighbors outside. There were walkers, joggers, pet walkers, a dad pushing a kid on a tricycle, someone enjoying the sunshine from a blanket in the back yard, a roofing company doing their 'essential work' including a woman walking the peak, and children playing in the dirt.
I'm intending to send more personal snail mail. Friends are remembering and sharing the words of old time hymns. We are turning our hearts in different ways to things that matter.
What are you finding as encouragement during your shelter-in-place days? Share your creativity and discoveries with us.
Thank you, Father, for each day's gift of health and daily bread. Please end this virus and bring healing to the world. May we be salt and light as you intended us to be. We look to you and wait on you. Give us your peace.
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death. Ps 68:19-20
