By Jennifer Waddle – Ministry Development Team
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly. 1 Peter 4:8
As the earth continues to spin on its axis, on the same orbit around the sun, the world as we know it has become an unfamiliar place of uncertainty. This unprecedented time of quarantine, that has separated us from family, friends, and coworkers, has led many of us into a season of confinement for the first time in our lives. Yet, even on our darkest, loneliest day, it is but a glimpse into the isolation that many of our Jewish brothers and sisters in Ukraine experience on a regular basis.
The world as they know it consists of oppression, discrimination, and outright rejection. The precious elderly, who should be regarded as patriarchs and matriarchs of future generations, are left without basic necessities and medical attention. Mothers and fathers struggle to find quality work and supply daily bread for their children. And those with special needs are cast aside as less-than, and all but forgotten. These realities are stark reminders that isolation in the Ukraine is a constant, tragic presence that continues whether there is a worldwide pandemic or not.
But maybe, just maybe, our small taste of confinement during quarantine has left enough of an impression on us to take the call of love deeper than we have ever taken it. As we emerge from this unprecedented season, perhaps our eyes will be opened to see the world like never before. And hopefully, our ears will be unstopped to hear the clear call of the Master’s will.
As Charles Wesley once penned,
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill:
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master’s will!
My dear friends, what a divine calling we have to do our Master’s will. Right here, right now, we are called by the Living God to go deeper in our love for Him and for His people. And by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are led to be healing instruments of love, provision, and peace.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
As the cloud of quarantine begins to lift, and we step back into our familiar routines, let’s also step forward into the call of the Master’s will. With each of our God-given gifts, let’s work together as the body of Christ to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace.
And, as the earth continues to spin on its axis, making its yearly orbit around the sun, let us move forward into a brighter season of hope that propels us forward in greater love for our Jewish brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
