5 Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? – 1 John 5:5
Between the days of rain, causing us to be in doors; the lack of schedule or routine moving now toward an eighth week; the innumerable snacks I have doled out to my children and eaten myself, I can’t say that I feel very much a conqueror right now. In fact, far from it. Some days I feel more like a bump on a log (to borrow an old expression). I’m sure we all have those days when productivity give way, and we find a more sedentary way of existence.
I don’t believe those type of days are all bad, though, everyone needs a break, and a time of sabbath. It’s just a matter of not letting those days become the norm. Right now, I think that is the challenge for many. They days keep ticking on, and we wonder when we will get the green light to get out, and when we do get that go ahead, we wonder if it is really safe? We still know there is a potential danger out there, and out of precaution we have our mask, and see others wearing theirs. It all makes us realize that it really will be a long time before life seems normal again, if we ever get to what we consider normal again.
It’s hard, and we know it’s going to be harder to get back into routine each day we are without it. Yet, tucked away at the end of the first epistle of John we find that we already have those things that can help us overcome this time as people have overcome so many times before. It is through faith. We have a faith in the love of God that can overcome death, so we must believe faith can overcome the uncertainty that still lies ahead. We don’t have to rush back into all the things, nor should we forgo using good and common sense as we do get back into society. In faith, we should also look to the ways in which we can show care to those around us. We should look for ways to help others who may be more freighted or more vulnerable than we are. We can do the great work of being encouragers, and reminding others of a faith that overcomes.
This overcoming faith, even overcomes our lack of productivity, and we can begin to look and plan with care and attention to the needs of those around us, even now. We are only a couple of days away from the lifting of the stay at home order, yet many, out of caution will stay at home. Some businesses are even remaining closed for the time being. However, hope is not closed, it never has been. The hope that we bring in the One who conquers the world, remains forever, and we get to rise up with that good news in our hearts and minds.
John closes this first letter with this: 19 We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Even when we feel like bumps on a log, we have life eternal in Christ.
Grace & Peace,
Sam