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 Are you thankful that you have made it this
far, that spring is here, and that 2021 will hopefully be better
than the last year?
Has this year taught you anything? I think that this is a very
important question to ask ourselves now that many of us are able to
“catch our breath” and evaluate the tragedies and events in our
recent past.
What has 2020 taught you? I’m not a mind reader but allow me guess
what you might be thinking.
What have we learned???
1) … that we are stronger and more resilient than we thought we
were!
2) … that we need to be grateful for each day.
3) … that life is fragile.
4) … that we don’t have much control over what happens in this
world.
5) … that it’s hard to find the truth in the midst of so many
opinions!
6) … that there are so many people hurting for so many different
reasons.
7) … that we are truly concerned for our children/grandchildren and
for their future.
Did I get a few right? Hopefully I’m at least “in the ballpark.”
I have been asking myself this question too and I would like to
share with you the main lesson that I have learned in this last
year… CHRIST IS OUR ONLY HOPE!
If our recent history has shown us anything, it has revealed in
dramatic and undeniable fashion, that humanity, and the institutions
of humanity, have significant limitations when dealing with the
chaos of life on this planet.
I will say that there have been some bright spots in human
achievement recently… I truly believe that the vaccines are a gift
from God worthy of celebration and are a testimony to what mankind
can do with a lot of hard work and determination.
Notwithstanding the vaccines, things have been pretty rough. If you
found that you have been placing your hope in government, or in
certain candidates, or in political action committees, or in the
prestigious institutions of journalism, or even in the medical
profession, you will find some “bright spots,” but you will also
find a lot of second-guessing, division, frustration, anger, and
heartache along the way.
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My point is that if your hope is in this world you
better look somewhere else because humanity is just simply not up to
the task. If you are looking for human beings to deliver on healing,
unity, freedom, and hope, I think you will be very disappointed.
We are limited in our power, limited in our perspective, and limited
in our goodness. This has always been true but I think the events of
2020 shined a spotlight on our insufficiencies as a community, as a
nation, and as a world.
So that brings me back to my prior statement. CHRIST IS OUR ONLY
HOPE!
I am reminded of an old Gospel Song: “Where could I go, Oh where
could I go? Seeking a refuge for my soul. Needing a friend to save
me in the end… Where could I go but to the Lord?”
This world does not have the answers that we seek! What alternative
do we have, but to turn to The Lord during these changing and
uncertain times? Unfortunately, the Kingdoms of Mankind are on the
decline. The Kingdom of the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, in
contrast, will continue to exist as the source of love, life, and
redemption.
The Resurrection of Christ at Easter reminds us that life is not
found on this earth, but instead in The God of All Grace and Mercy.
This Easter, turn to the One who can give you purpose, lift your
burdens, and give you a life that transcends anything that this
world can offer. Put your hope in Jesus. Building your life on Him
will give you a foundation that will never crack or fail.
Put your trust in the One who said: “Do not be afraid. I am the
First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I
am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
(Revelation 1:17, 18).
Make Christ your Hope this Easter!
[Ryan Edgecombe
Chaplain – The Christian Village
Pastor – Broadwell Christian Church
111 S. Olive
Broadwell, IL]
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