As we wait with anticipation; #HearHim
As the Christian world celebrates the upcoming resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, some thoughts have been coming to my mind. I will try to jot them down as I go through this now rare written post.
The first is the worldwide fast called for by President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for Good Friday. Fasting for Christians on Good Friday is nothing new, of course, but a directed fast with specific purpose may be. He asked that we fast for the safety and health of those working tirelessly to care for the sick from this pandemic. He asked that we pray for relief and healing through the Lord's power, (more on that in a moment). He also asked that we fast and pray for economic relief, as the world has suffered economically as well. There is a Facebook page regarding this fast, and it has attracted hundreds of thousands, committed to fast in whatever way as a sign of unity, of bringing the world together to fight this plague. I am not sure of the final count, but they come from all over the world, from all faiths, not just Christian. Add that many people have chosen to drop off of social media as a form of fasting, and the number fasting is likely in the millions who have heeded the prophet's call.
I have friends, indeed, family, who take the approach of atheism, and some who mock the concept of God. They tout science, and its superiority over the hocus pocus of religion. While I could paraphrase Han Solo in the original Star Wars "ancient weapons and some religion are no match for a good blaster at your side" no I didn't go watch the movie or look up the transcript, that is just based on what I can recall, and how at the end, when he confirmed that there was a force. Well, there you go.
Why do I mention that? The prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ, Russell M. Nelson, is an eminent man of science. He was a pioneer in heart surgery in his career before being called as an Apostle, and spent a good deal of his life advancing medicine, and the technology involved in saving lives. When he calls upon the Lord for healing, and for a cure, he is calling for a miracle, but not necessarily some supernatural event. He is calling for a miracle in the minds and hands of those working to find a way to stop the pandemic. He has related several instances where God led him to do a procedure that had never been done, to save the life of his patients. That he was directed how, specifically, to do it. He is a man of science, but more importantly, he is a man of God, who fully understands that He is over all, and that as God is the author of creation, He has all power, all knowledge to guide and direct those that seek him out.
As the Lord died on the cross, his disciples, not understanding fully that he was to rise in three days, feeling that it was the end, were scared, huddled behind closed doors, not knowing what to do. Waiting, praying, wondering what happened.
Imagine Peter, who boasted of his willingness to give his life for the Lord, and then denied him, how he felt during that time.
Imagine Mary the mother of Christ, being comforted as best as possible by John, and the other women. To see her son, promised by an angel, conceived by the power of God, to die, but not just die, but in such a horrible, tragic way.
How will you watch and wait? He was laid in a tomb with haste, as sundown and the approaching Sabbath was nigh. The tomb was sealed, and secured by Roman soldiers.
How will you watch and wait? Listen, and #HearHim
The first is the worldwide fast called for by President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for Good Friday. Fasting for Christians on Good Friday is nothing new, of course, but a directed fast with specific purpose may be. He asked that we fast for the safety and health of those working tirelessly to care for the sick from this pandemic. He asked that we pray for relief and healing through the Lord's power, (more on that in a moment). He also asked that we fast and pray for economic relief, as the world has suffered economically as well. There is a Facebook page regarding this fast, and it has attracted hundreds of thousands, committed to fast in whatever way as a sign of unity, of bringing the world together to fight this plague. I am not sure of the final count, but they come from all over the world, from all faiths, not just Christian. Add that many people have chosen to drop off of social media as a form of fasting, and the number fasting is likely in the millions who have heeded the prophet's call.
I have friends, indeed, family, who take the approach of atheism, and some who mock the concept of God. They tout science, and its superiority over the hocus pocus of religion. While I could paraphrase Han Solo in the original Star Wars "ancient weapons and some religion are no match for a good blaster at your side" no I didn't go watch the movie or look up the transcript, that is just based on what I can recall, and how at the end, when he confirmed that there was a force. Well, there you go.
Why do I mention that? The prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ, Russell M. Nelson, is an eminent man of science. He was a pioneer in heart surgery in his career before being called as an Apostle, and spent a good deal of his life advancing medicine, and the technology involved in saving lives. When he calls upon the Lord for healing, and for a cure, he is calling for a miracle, but not necessarily some supernatural event. He is calling for a miracle in the minds and hands of those working to find a way to stop the pandemic. He has related several instances where God led him to do a procedure that had never been done, to save the life of his patients. That he was directed how, specifically, to do it. He is a man of science, but more importantly, he is a man of God, who fully understands that He is over all, and that as God is the author of creation, He has all power, all knowledge to guide and direct those that seek him out.
As the Lord died on the cross, his disciples, not understanding fully that he was to rise in three days, feeling that it was the end, were scared, huddled behind closed doors, not knowing what to do. Waiting, praying, wondering what happened.
Imagine Peter, who boasted of his willingness to give his life for the Lord, and then denied him, how he felt during that time.
Imagine Mary the mother of Christ, being comforted as best as possible by John, and the other women. To see her son, promised by an angel, conceived by the power of God, to die, but not just die, but in such a horrible, tragic way.
How will you watch and wait? He was laid in a tomb with haste, as sundown and the approaching Sabbath was nigh. The tomb was sealed, and secured by Roman soldiers.
How will you watch and wait? Listen, and #HearHim
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