150 Days and Counting
Though I know the flood of Genesis 7 and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 are vastly different in scale, violence and intensity, I do keep finding my quarantined self thinking about Noah and his family on the ark.
Everyone knows it rained for 40 days and nights while Noah and his family were on the ark. However, many don’t know that the waters continued to rise for 150 days while Noah and his family were still on the boat. Then, after 150 days of rising waters, the waters receded for another 150 days or so. At this point, Noah started sending out some birds to see if it was safe to get out of the boat. This took another 50 days or so. Altogether, Noah and his family were on the boat just over 350 days. Yikes!
Now, I am not saying the COVID-19 virus will kill everyone except for one family. I am not saying our next Sunday morning in-person and on-campus gathering will be next summer. But I do think there are a few similarities between the flood and this pandemic. Just like the flood waters rose for 150 days, we are nearing 150 days of seeing the community spread cause the number of COVID-19 cases to continue rising.
I know many of us are trying some small things, like Noah sending out birds, to see if it is safe to go forward. So far the birds are coming back, indicating the need for caution and patience. Also, just like Noah and his family must have started to lose their minds in the process, I know many of us are losing it, as well.
With that being written, here is my encouragement to you and yours:
Just as in Noah’s day, God is in control.
Just as in Noah’s day, God is wiling and able to keep the ones to whom His favor is upon safe and sound.
Just as Noah, you and I have the favor of God on us. We have God’s favor on us because of what Jesus has done for us.
And just as in Noah’s day, this too shall pass!
So, hang in there, my friends. Make the most of this unique time we are in:
Lean into God’s call to be bold in humility and generosity during this time.
Take ownership of your own spiritual formation.
Take seriously your role in the spiritual formation of those God has given you, and those God has asked you to give yourself to.
Above all, don’t forget to pray. Prayer always changes the one praying, as well as the world the one is praying in.
David
p.s. To the Living Streams Family: Please don’t miss our first ever online congregational meeting tonight (July 9) at 6:30pm. Watch the livestream on our website, Facebook or YouTube.