Newsletter April 2020
Living as Christians in difficult times
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:3-8)
Paul wrote these words to the believers in Philippi while he was in prison. In this difficult situation his concern was not so much his own comfort and well-being but the fact that he was unable to be with them and to communicate with them. He had planted this church on his second missionary journey following God’s call to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10) and was clearly concerned that they would continue to grow in their faith and love towards God. This letter, which had to be carried by a fellow-worker (probably Epaphroditus – Phil. 2:25), over a long distance, was a rare, (maybe even unique) opportunity to convey his love and concern to them.
In the present crisis we have had to suspend public church services and are, to a large extent, unable even to meet individually face to face. Will our relationships with one another as the community of God’s people stand the test? Will we be able to continue encouraging one another as we are stuck in our homes, some of us completely alone? Fortunately, unlike Paul in his day, we have various forms of communication at our disposal.
Today modern technology enables us to communicate constantly and over immense distances. The social media we have been using to send messages and pictures to family and friends from one end of the globe to the other (in some cases one end of the sofa to the other!) are now a lifeline that keeps us informed and encouraged. We can update through text, WhatsApp, and email, we can post messages, updates and videos on Facebook and Instagram, and hold prayer sessions, Bible studies and leaders’ meetings on Zoom.
In a sense, this crisis is bringing us together more than ever – that is some of us. What about those who are not as tech savvy and unable to communicate through such modern channels? What about those who have no one to help them access a livestream or receive an important update, a testimony or a word of encouragement sent out ‘to all’? Of course we still have the traditional way of communication. Let us remember that for some a phone call will be the only contact they will have with fellow believers; a printed copy of an encouraging word through the Royal (snail) Mail will make all the difference to their day. As we think of new ways of communicating, let us remember the old and proven ones as well.
Paul used what he had available: a hand-written letter written on parchment and carried over land and sea by a committed fellow-worker as a one-off opportunity to convey his affection and to encourage the believers in the face of trials – both their own difficult situation and what they had heard about him. His letter reveals a concern for their well-being and spiritual growth. Yet most of all, it is a call to focus on what really matters to him – the glory of God and the message of salvation. To Paul, every situation provided an opportunity to proclaim God’s purpose in Jesus Christ.
As we face this unprecedented situation uncertainty can easily turn to fear and discouragement. Now more than ever, we need to communicate. And as we do so, no one must be allowed to ‘fall through the net’ of God’s loving community. Paul took the opportunity to send this letter to the Philippian church, but he prayed for them constantly.
Prayer is the oldest but most effective form of communication. It enables those whom we bring before God to experience the power of his love right where they are. Prayer brings comfort to the bereaved and reassurance to the fearful and discouraged. And as we pray we may, like Paul hear God’s call in a way we have never hear it before. As we zoom in to listen, he may whisper in our spiritual ears to reveal who needs a phone call, a personal message on WhatsApp, a healing touch from God or some practical help (food, an urgent errand, etc.). In Acts 16, we read how Paul was called to Macedonia; who is God calling you to? Who needs you at this time?
Paul answered the call to Macedonia and his obedience led to new relationship: both the Philippians’ new-found relationship with God through Jesus Christ and a relationship between him and them strong enough to stand the test of time, distance and circumstance. Let us not be discouraged in difficult times. Instead, let us use every opportunity to strengthen relationships – with one another and with God. And let us seize every opportunity to tell others about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) so they may share in that three-way relationship.
As the world fears death, we know that our hope is not only in this life but beyond. This is why we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday on 12th April. Let us join Paul in declaring that in Christ “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Cor. 15:54) Be assured that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6).
Pastor Konrad