Thought for the Day:  Wednesday, 15^th. April, 2020

It will be Well with our Souls.

Bible Verse: Acts 3: 6-7 ⁶

 ^“Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong”

Reflection

A few days ago, I was watching the news and there was an item where a snapshot of some of the people who have died during this time of corona virus came on. Very sad indeed!!  I gathered from this picture that, beyond the death of each person was a life, a life lived quietly in some part of the country where maybe the deceased may quietly have been known or a life where the person may have not been known in the community, but now death has laid its sorrowful and icy hands on each of them. Since the corona virus started, I tend to look at the number of fatalities several times each day on the internet and that number keeps rising exponentially, despite predictions that the curve is going to go down soon. In the light of all this, one may ask where is God or why has God forsaken us at this time? Is there hope for us? I do not pretend to have an answer, but one thing I know is, God is with us in this crisis and we should continue to pray without ceasing and take heart from Paul’s letter to the Phillipians 4:6-7 “be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. With prayers and supplications, I know God will not forsake us no matter what.

In our lectionary reading today from the book of Acts 3;1-10, the Apostles Peter and John meet a lame man by the temple gate who is put there every day to ask for money from passersby. Peter and John on reaching this man, could not offer this lame man any money but offered a gift greater than silver and gold that is “life” or healing enabling this man to walk again in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friends, this week as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from death, let the life gained by this lame man reaffirm our faith in Jesus. The Author of life (Jesus) will not leave us without any hope during this era of corona virus. He has conquered death and we should pray that, He gives rest and peace to those who are dying from this virus and wipe away the tears of those of us in bereavement. Let us also pray, He brings good health to those who are sick and protect and keep all of us who are not affected by this virus safe, in His name we pray. Amen.

Prayer: Good Lord, Father of all mercy at this time of great distress and weeping, may You wipe away our tears, may we know you more nearly, may we see you more clearly and may we love you more dearly as we go through this life day by day. Amen.   

Prayer: Father God, we praise you for the wonderful future that you have prepared for us through the death and resurrection of you Son, Jesus Christ. We eagerly await the day when we will enter into your presence for all eternity with holy bodies untainted by sin. Please help us to not lose heart when we face the many pressures, anxieties, and troubles of life in this fallen world. Let us take great courage in the knowledge that you’ve given us the Holy Spirit to prepare our souls for your kingdom dwelling within us. Thank you for letting Jesus live in us. It is in his name that we pray, Amen.

Hymn of the day: https://youtu.be/VmvnE6erj6I ( When Peace like a river)