But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
Acts 3:6
How are you feeling by now? Has the ‘lock-down’ become your new norm? Is keeping two metres apart now your “go to” reaction? Isn’t it amazing how quickly we, and society in general, adapt during emergency situations.
However, we have had to make quite a few changes in order to adapt. The letting go of our old way of life can be difficult, and the changes can be painful before the new pattern becomes part of everyday life.
It is likely that daily timetables have changed for everyone – some are busier than ever. Home is now the office, school, or even the gym! All activities are confined to that one space and everyone has to fit into it. Others have seen their timetable visibly shrink, work slowing down, social events cancelled. The house is now empty and the weekly shopping trip has become the highlight of the week! Or maybe your work brings you face to face with the virus. Being responsible for the caring of others is a heavy burden and an energy-sapping journey.
Whatever our situation, our world has changed. It would be so easy to become disheartened when we see people’s pain and are unable to offer any help.
What a comfort it is, and how wonderfully encouraging to realise, that what we can offer people has not changed at all. Our ability to offer practical help may have changed, but just like Peter and John in New Testament days, we have something better to offer people. Not “silver and gold”, not “our company or helping hand”, but Jesus Christ himself! During this strangely changed period we have the assurance that Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, still saves. We are confident that the power of the name of our Saviour can heal and that this healing is everlasting in Him.
So, in these strange days, when we feel empty handed and unable to offer help, let us remember that we can come to our Lord in prayer, filled with the same Holy Spirit as Peter and John on their way to the temple, and that we can offer Jesus Christ to people in need today. We can offer Him to friends who we phone or meet online, to co-workers or even to strangers in unexpected situations. Let us remember that what people really need is to come to know Jesus and praise Him as their Lord.
Elin Bryn (Capel y Ffynnon, Bangor)