Living in the Last Hour

There is no denying that the year 2020, more than anything, is trying my patience. I’ve read way to many Facebook postings about the many things that we (Christians) can learn from current events. And some I just kinda go… hmmm… but we already knew/know that!

I have been having a lot of conversations with God. And I’m like, it would be nice if all we had to deal with was COVID-19 or social unrest, but we are dealing with both. But because of those two significant issues, for us (and many other Americans have way more issues), piled on is unemployment, rules to manage our interactions with others, not being able to travel, everyday stresses, or move about as we’d like too and then concerns over encountering “Karen”. Concerns not for her/his behavior, but my response.

Seriously, I keep telling myself, the first thing I would do is ask her/him if they call themself Christian. If their answer is yes… I would correct them and tell them – they can’t be. Have you read your Bible? Why? Watch the videos. How can anyone representing Jesus Christ, the One who came to save the lost, – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17″ – behave in such manner? If not a Christian. “Why is it that you want?” Or do I just pull out my phone and start recording? I can’t see either scenario as being Christ like. So, I pray and ask God for wisdom should I find myself in that situation.

Even the symbols that represent our faith affect our witness. It happens. It happened here, last year at my local HEB. A woman was offended by another woman, I don’t recall why, but she started to attack the woman – in her vehicle. The video zoomed in on the cross she was wearing. The cross. The symbol of Christianity. What a dilemma!

Anyway, we are older Americans and have no desire to get sick. We also have no health insurance. We, by chose, limit our mobility so as not to add to the spread of this virus, or compromise our own health.

We are also a multiracial family. Our skin tones run the gamut. I do not want my children physically, or verbally assaulted because of the color of their skin. I’ve expressed to my children concerns over them choosing either side of the fence. I do not want them to be victims of any crime. So, I pray for them constantly.

Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we call ourselves Christians. And our response to current events will either draw people to God, or drive them further away.

We do our civic duty and vote. We do not label ourselves, Democrat, Republican, conservative, or liberal. We are Christians, children of the living God. The world gives us labels from birth, but this is the only one that matters to God. For without Jesus Christ, no one can enter into heaven (John 3:3-5). Being a proud anything else says nothing about my/our faith in God, only my politics and lifestyle. And what is pride, if not that which God hates (James 4:6). Christians are to walk in humility (Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:2; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 3:34).

My political beliefs are not worth sharing. I’ve seen people post they are proud conservatives. What does that mean? Does that justify assaulting people that are not like you? Likewise for the other groups. Remember in Luke 22:47-53…

“And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Facts, figures, experts, and science do not matter to us anymore. We (our family) are tired of spoiled, rebellious children throwing tantrums over wearing a mask, or not, questioning the seriousness of the virus, or whether COVID-19 is a hoax, or not. We just want this mess to be over. My husband and I have accepted that this virus will linger for months, and because we are older uninsured Americans we will have to take certain measures to protect our health.

I read a meme somewhere depicting Americans as sheep wearing a mask being led to slaughter. I’m like… really? God does provide protection for His people. Our taking precautions and following orders regarding preventing the spread of any communicable threat is to subject ourselves to the governing authorities (Romans 13). 

Some Christian groups have made reference to Acts 5:29 … “We ought to obey God rather than men. That is not the case here. Remember…

Exodus 12:13 “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

Isaiah 53 is read during Easter. But does anyone ever really take to heart the words written? “We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.”

So what have I learned thus far… stay tuned.