I believe we are at a turning point in our human history, a turning point that will change our lives and our world in many important ways. As I write this reflection my heart is with those that are suffering and have lost loved ones. I am deeply grieved that due to the quarantine affecting most countries many people are dying alone in hospital. I have prayed especially for them and for their families that they may have faith and know the loving presence of God, particularly in their final moments. “The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

This week, as believers of Jesus Christ, we will be celebrating Easter, but not in the way we are accustomed to celebrating. Although our Churches may be closed and we may not even be able to gather with our extended families, our hearts must be open to the great love of Jesus and our minds must be reassured by the promise of Easter.

THE PROMISE OF EASTER:  JESUS CONQUERED DEATH

Jesus died to cleanse us of our sins and open the gates of Paradise to us. Jesus also died to change our hearts and enable us to live a life that is truly blessed.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Right now Covid-19 is the ‘thief’ that is taking lives, impacting our health, our economies and our freedom, but Jesus will restore our world as He changes our hearts and restores our health and prosperity.

REDISCOVERING LIFE’S TRUE MEANING

The crisis caused by this global pandemic is causing many of us to consider who and what truly matters in life. Families that have been denied quality time together due to hectic work lives, may for the first time in awhile have an opportunity to talk and enjoy one another’s company.

Let us pray: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Psalm 119:37

If you are feeling lonely remember Jesus is always with us: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…when I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father and you are in me, and I am in you” John 14:18,20

Let us pray for Jesus to live in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit and let us ask Jesus to help us to examine our lives and make choices that prove that we are truly His disciples.

This is a good time to let go of grudges and be free of the burden of resentment as we offer to forgive those that have hurt us.

As we approach the Feast of Easter let us ask Jesus to forgive us and help us to make our lives a testimony of faith, hope and love.

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ changed the world for all that would believe in Him. God changes the world, one soul at a time, by doing one thing consistently and that one thing is that God changes our hearts and fills them with His love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:26-27

THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS HUMAN

We are the temple of God and that temple cannot be closed. Our public worship may be temporarily discontinued, but our private worship and thanksgiving must never cease.

I take courage, in this difficult time, in God’s promise to bring good out of everything:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Let’s consider some of the positive things that will likely come from our fight against a global pandemic.

WORKING AT HOME IS LIKELY TO BECOME COMMONPLACE – ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE AND BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY

Many people are being asked to work at home right now if it is feasible. ‘Teleworking’ is a strategy that can contribute to the quality of human life as the need to commute to and from work is eliminated and people can enjoy the freedom to work at flexible hours on agreed upon business results. Our climate can benefit when we reduce the number of cars on our roads, eliminating pollution and the stress and risks associated with driving.

I worked my entire career in telecommunications promoting the benefits of technology to businesses and I recall people asking me ‘how can I manage people I can’t see’. The answer was and is ‘You can effectively manage people remotely by enabling employees to clearly understand the results they are expected to deliver while empowering them with access to the right business and telecommunications tools’. The privilege of ‘working at home’ will likely become an ‘ideal working scenario’ for many people during and post Covid-19. Covid-19 will very likely usher in many important ‘digital’ solutions to positively improve our lives.

NEW DIGITAL EDUCATION SOLUTIONS WILL EMERGE THAT CAN BE SHARED GLOBALLY

As of March 4, 2020 188 countries had closed their schools affecting approximately 1.5 billion students, over 90 per cent. Source: UNESCO

At the moment many regional educational jurisdictions are turning to e-learning as an opportunity to continue to teach students while school closures remain in effect, but the real opportunity is to co-operate globally on a new education vision where state-of-the-art digital learning resources can be developed and shared cost effectively by different countries throughout the world equalizing educational access across economic boundaries and reducing the total cost of education to everyone.

In this scenario rich children and poor children can have access to the same high quality learning resources and they can have opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another. In a digitally-powered education model schools can connect students and teachers to learning content and communications applications across global boundaries teaching all the skills that are the key to our future prosperity.  We need not create math or science learning solutions over and over again.  There is an opportunity to work together on a global blue print of resources that can be shared by all.

In a digital learning model, teachers become the ‘facilitators’ or ‘tour guides’ in a world rich with digital learning opportunities tailored to student competencies and special needs, fostering collaboration and dialogue with students all over the world. Imagine a historic Global Peace Curriculum that teaches human rights and conflict resolution in a collaborative experience with a view to stop violence and end discrimination.  Consider the possibility that students could earn points leading to a “Peace Maker Certificate” they can put on their CV. If this vision interests you please read A Global Education Vision here.

SUFFERING’S SILVER LINING: HAVE FAITH

It is often in times of distress that people begin to look for God. When our human capacity to control things appears to wane, people often look to a higher power.

I am hopeful that one of the best things that will come out of Covid-19 is a conviction that we need God to help us and not just in times of crisis. Human life is fragile, but with true faith we don’t have to be afraid.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

As sin increases in our world, the door between God and humanity closes and God waits for us to come to Him with sorrow for our sins. God has the power to heal our world. We must pray for God’s assistance offering Him our contrite hearts.

Remember this is God’s Promise:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 1 Chronicles 7:14

Christians we are called by the name of Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us do as Jesus asked and trust in His infinite mercy for He desires to heal us and help us to change our world for the better.

Please learn more about The Mercy Movement, a prayer movement that is uniting Christians in prayer and remembrance of the Passion of Christ, every day, at the Time Jesus died for us, 3pm.  Let us be ONE Body of Christ united in a powerful prayer for the mercy of God every day.  Let us thank Jesus for dying for us and let us pray that He sends His Holy Spirit upon our world to bring healing, peace and prosperity.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-27

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:27

Holy Lord thank You for dying for us. I know You are near. Please send us Your Holy Spirit Lord to renew the face of the earth.  I love You so much!  You are my Heart’s Desire Lord!