Life on the Pasture

Like me, I’m sure many of you have family or friends in other states who have already been living with the mandatory home quarantine. Now our state has been added to the list. I’m not sure who will be making the decision as to what businesses are essential and will be allowed to remain open. Nor am I sure how long this will go on with the economy spiraling down out of control and people who work from paycheck to paycheck wondering how they will make it. And as for when we will be able to once again worship together, I’m hoping that since the April 7th election has not been postponed, perhaps there is hope for Holy Week and Easter.

What I do know is as this continues, there is growing frustration on many fronts, as well as many theories as to why we’re in the situation we’re in. Some are engaging in the blame game, a few politicians are trying to win political points. An over-zealous media is coming up with every possible angle of the story.

So how do we react as God’s people, called to be salt and light? The first way we react is honesty before our God. As we come to Him in prayer, we include our concerns and frustrations, laying them before Almighty God who alone can do something for us. The second thing we do is to pray for others, including those we don’t necessarily agree with but who are in positions of authority and have the responsibility of making very difficult decisions. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Even for someone for whom I didn’t vote? Yes. Even when I think this is some sort of plot to gain power? Yes. Even when I think one’s decisions are extremely harmful? Yes. This is a part of honoring those in authority, as well as loving our neighbor as ourselves. For if we were in those positions, we would want people so support and encourage us.

Is it easy? Not always. Yet we are coming to a God who is ultimately in control and who can work through sinful human beings to accomplish His will.

And so we pray: Gracious Lord, grant wisdom and guidance to all in authority. Move people to put aside blind allegiance to a political party and instead work for the common good. We pray in the name of our dear Lord Jesus. Amen.

– Pastor Schmidt