This is a very strange and fascinating time in the history of the world. People have been forcibly isolated due to COVID-19. Social distancing has become a household phrase. Churches are losing contributions as well as membership. Sometimes it's hard to see the secret treasure hidden beneath all this darkness, but it's there.
Last night, while delivering a few face masks to a couple of dear friends, we were asked to participate in something very special. This was Maundy Thursday and families all over the world were taking a moment to celebrate communion, privately in their own homes, to remember the Passover feast Jesus had with his friends before he was led away to be crucified. Our friends had been preparing for this world-wide event as well. They would be connecting with a family in another state, via video chat, to have communion together. They invited us to join them.
What a precious time we had. The family we connected with had two young boys. The father was taking time to explain to them the story from Exodus of the very first Passover. I'll never forget the wide eyes of one son as he listened carefully and the sheer hilarious boredom of the other. The father patiently finished his teaching and my husband was handed the baton to continue.
Jeff painted a picture, for those of us listening, of Jesus in a room with all his best friends. He reminded us that Jesus gave thanks for the privilege of being the One, the final sacrificial lamb, choosing to move forward in all that was about to happen. He told the boys that Jesus' best friends didn't understand what was about to happen and would eventually all leave him. One would run away so fast that his clothes would fall off (I later asked where that was in the Bible because I had never noticed it before ~Mark 14:51-52). Jeff went on to share that when Jesus hung on the cross the next day, he asked his father, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." Jeff shared that one school of thought was that Jesus was asking his father to forgive us all the way back to Adam and Eve. They did not know what they would set into action with their disobedience. Forgiving "them" would wipe out that sinful nature once and FOR ALL. It would set us all free, not by who or what we are, but by who and what He did. Everyone became quietly entranced. Jeff continued on by giving thanks and breaking the bread. What a special night communing together, It will be forever etched into my mind.
This night would never have happened if COVID-19 didn't strike. Satan was rendered powerless with the final sacrifice of the lamb over 2000 years ago. The only weapon the enemy now has are the lies he can talk us into believing. God is showing us how to walk in the power of all he conquered so long ago. Pick up the COVID-19 sword and use it against the enemy yourself. Jesus wants to come back to a beautiful and strong bride. His kingdom will have no end.
As you maneuver the waters of this historical moment in time, find places to be thankful. Share with others the testimony of what God is doing through your life and family during this time. Remember how to stay connected. This is the time to reclaim the territory promised to us.
