Sunset from Capernaum

And the world shook

Dear Friends, this week, Passover begins as we head into Easter Sunday. As these two celebrations converge with the various impacts of the virus pandemic, here are some thoughts I have.

Let us give thanks in this time of shaking: Paul writes in Hebrews that those things that can be shaken will be, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. In these circumstances I can’t help but to notice the extent to which our world is being shaken. Hebrews 12:25-29.

Take for example the shaking of two communities at opposite ends of the spectrum.

• The Ultra-orthodox Jewish community in Israel: Passover is a foundational holiday for Jewish people. This year in Israel, due to the coronavirus restrictions, many can’t celebrate Passover as prescribed in scripture. The restrictions also prohibit going beyond 100 meters of your home, physically meeting with extended families, and gathering groups to pray. The government and many religious leaders are requiring these communities to do something that specifically violates the Old Testament law. This has deeply impacted the ultra-orthodox communities. As an example, Exodus 12:14-17, requires Israel to assemble to celebrate the Passover feasts throughout the generations. Now they can’t. The very core of what the Orthodox look to for stability and direction is being shaken. It's easy for us to assume that lockdown orders should take precedence over tradition. But appreciate the struggle of a community whose very existence is rooted in complying with these religious laws. A deep shaking is reverberating in their community.
• The wealthy secular community of New York: A friend was speaking with a ~~~~successful bank president in New York last week. For the first time, this bank president was facing a reality that also was shaking him to the core. There may be some things in the world that are bigger than we, things that we may not be able to fix and overcome. The strength and breadth of the virus. The catastrophic impact on the world’s economy--regardless which scientist’s models prove incorrect. Death. He certainly hopes and works on the assumption that we will eventually pass through this pandemic and the economic consequences. However, the realization that there is something which we can’t control, and may not be able to overcome, shook the very core of what he looks to for stability and direction. A deep shaking is reverberating in his community as well.

And this shaking probably applies to every community in between. Let’s pray that God uses these unprecedented shakings, and uses us in the midst of them for His good purposes.

It’s fitting to celebrate Easter and Passover in the midst of shaking: Many of you know that on the night Jesus was arrested, he celebrated the Passover meal with his friends--his last supper. Matthew 26:20-29. The Passover story of liberation (Exodus 12) so clearly reflects what Jesus accomplished on the cross. As God created time, and therefore is outside of it, I believe that He weaved the Passover story into His narrative in order to foreshadow the coming of the messiah. During both the original Passover and crucifixion of Jesus there was much shaking.

• The shaking of Passover: Hidden in Exodus 6:1-8 we see the reason God responded to the Israelites' situation is, in part because He is compassionate and hears the Israelites’ cry. The circumstances of oppressive slavery reached levels of desperation whereby their cries reached the throne of God. And He responded. As the Israelites were ushered to safety by God’s great movement of the winds and sea, the gods of Egypt were shaken and removed. And the shaking initiated God leading the Israelites to freedom and into the promised land.
• The shaking of Easter: As Jesus was upon the cross darkness fell upon the earth. Three hours later he cried out Psalm 22, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” Jesus then cried out and yielded his spirit. The veil of the temple was torn in two. And the earth shook! Matthew 27:45-51. This shaking awakened everyone who felt it to the truth that Jesus was indeed the promised messiah.

What shall we do in days of shaking?

• Towards others: When we interact with others, particularly those whose world is being shaken, acknowledge that yes, it must be scary. Invite them to “cry out” to God for His mercy, for His presence. They are looking for something bigger than themselves, something that cannot be shaken. Have them ask for God’s help in a prayer---with you, right then and there. And if they want God’s mercy, ask them if they would want to accept Jesus as the one one authority they want to follow. Romans 10:9-13. A simple prayer like that may sound like a quaint blessing we learned in Sunday School as kids. But, it's surprising how powerful a simple little prayer can be--a mustard seed of faith in our hearts can grow to become a powerful thing.
• For ourselves: We know that all things that can be shaken will be so that only what cannot be shaken remains. Let’s pray that God shakes anything within us that we rely on that doesn't come from Him, so that only things unshakable remain -- His kingdom in our lives. And let us give thanks and offer ourselves to God for whatever service to which He calls. Hebrews 12:28-29. Pray that we come out of this crisis changed, with the ability to live more in the reality of the eternal kingdom, God’s rule shall be forever unshakable.

Our family wishes all of you a glorious celebration of the Resurrection of the King of Kings who gave His life for us to live in His Kingdom!