Sunray shining on Beth Saida, a small fishing village on the Galilee, home to one-third of Jesus’ twelve disciples
Hey friends. It’s been a crazy week---likely with more on the horizon. In light of the current news, here are some of my thoughts.
We all learned a new term: R0. You know it’s a big deal when we learn to use a completely new phrase. Take R0, pronounced “R-naught”. If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s the reproduction number at which an infected person infects others. For example, a disease with an R0 of 2 means an infected person would, on average, infect two other people, and so on. This number is vital to the accuracy of the models regarding the spread of COVID-19. Scientists say it is extremely difficult to determine and nearly always is estimated retroactively.
Impact of small yet intentional choices and acts: The specifics of predicting R0, particularly in light of COVID-19, are too complicated for me. But the concept is helpful and even profound as it highlights the power of small but intentional actions. And understanding the idea of R0 encourages me to consider the significance of our actions in this current atmosphere.
I found this graphic helpful in understanding the impact of small and intentional actions.
Although the R0 is applied to infectious diseases, I see it as the math underlying exponential population growth, compounded interest, and countless other examples. This might be why epidemiologists (another new word for me!) and also tech entrepreneurs seem to have a better intuition for it than I. However, the power of small and intentional actions in our daily life can have exponential implications.
Jesus understands the R0: Last year while in northern Israel, I was surprised to learn that one-third of Jesus’ twelve disciples came from Beth Saida—a small, humble fishing village near the Galilee. Jesus did walk in crowds, and speak to large audiences. But mostly his work was amongst a small few-- and three men in particular. As Jesus went about his walk, he always included small but intentional actions and teachings that impacted these few- and impacted them to the extent that they would do the same with several others.
It occurred to me that as we try to maintain our businesses, manage households, and serve the needs of others in these extremely challenging times, we should add a layer of thinking that includes the power of the R0. Consider one to three people that Jesus has given you and invest in. Speak to their hearts in a way that walks them through this challenging time, and orients them to 1) rely on the authority of Jesus in all aspects of their life, 2) live in peace, 3) and love and share with others, right away. I know this sounds simple and small. But again, consider the power of the R0:
John 17:6-10: “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me*. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.”***
On another note: The global scope and massive numbers of the Corona virus can be overwhelming. To be grounded in that which is eternal quiets my soul.
Finally, here’s an interesting article: Millions of Americans say coronavirus a wake-up call from God.
It’s helpful for me to distill what I am thinking about and hopefully you are encouraged. I’m trying to send out a similar email every week or so. Feel free to forward this to any friends you think would enjoy it and/or benefit from it. And if you haven’t yet subscribed, but want to be, click here.
With much love,