Gerry Parker

For those of us who are Christians I suggest we begin by looking at the Beatitudes. Notice that these are promises from God. We can count on God’s promises. Trust in that. 

Author Max Lucado has said, “Because his word is unbreakable, our hope is unshakable. We do not stand on the problems of life or the pain in life. We stand on the great and precious promises of God.” 

Some of God’s promises are positive and negative. In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) you will see this as you read them. Upon reading them, God makes it clear that bad things happen but to those who are faithful they will be blessed.

After the Beatitudes Jesus gives his followers a challenge to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).  Right now more than ever, our community needs God’s people to step up and show love to others around us. I hear that these things are happening. People are being cared for in our community. Christians are stepping up “for such a time as this” (Esther). May we honor God in this time of chaos.

One final point, and this may be the most important point: if we are to be that salt and light in our community we Christians need to do some serious soul searching. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us we need to humble ourselves and ask God to forgive us of our wicked ways. This is not speaking of the United States. This is about Israel back in that day. But the principle applies to God’s people today as well. 

Christians, it is time to kneel down so we can rise up and be used in this time of chaos. God bless.

(Gerry Parker is the pastor of Powell Church of Christ.)