Nathaniel Madden | Christ for the crisis: renewed hope for 2021

Catastrophes have always touched people’s live. Even before the common era, disasters were present. The prophet Jeremiah, for example, addressed a disaster in his time in Jeremiah 9:20 New International Version (NIV): “Death has climbed in through our windows and has entered our fortresses; it has removed the children from the streets and the young men from the public squares.”

The year 2020 was a very difficult one both locally and internationally. We can immediately reflect on some of the many catastrophes that we have experienced: the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the Sahara dust, the heavy rainfalls – the effects of which are still affecting several families and communities – etc. These tragedies have patently compounded the daily harsh realities of many individuals: families struggling socio-economically, increase in domestic violence, rapid deterioration in emotional and mental illness, which leads to suicide, social ills that influence criminal behaviour, among others.

The religious fraternity has also had its fair share of crises. The Church has often been criticised because it has for long reflected the image of being too centred on money and prosperity, rather than being fishers of men and executing the missiological command given to it by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 NIV: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

While there is some amount of truth to this criticism, it must also be understood that not all churches and denominations engage in this practice. We do not all have the same resources. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decline in church attendance and participation, which has resulted in a decrease in tithes and offerings. Consequently, some church conferences have had to cut their ministers’ salaries or stipends. With online/e-worshipping being the order of the day, some pastors are now out of a job, as their churches are closed temporarily or permanently. Additionally, criminals have capitalised on the current church set-up to desecrate the Lord’s house through robberies and arsons.

In addition, many churches have had to dig deep in their treasury to assist members in need, including the regular poor, sick and shut-ins, but also families who have lost their jobs and loved ones. Notwithstanding, these experiences have helped us to reprioritise, demonstrate more compassion, and develop a Christ-like mind.

GOD CARRYING US THROUGH CRISES

Today, we reflect, and we wonder, “How did I make it through 2020?” There are many who ascribe their existence to their own organisms, evolution theories, nature, etc. But we, the children of God, boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ has been the one carrying us through the different crises. David said in Psalm 20:7 NIV, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” The same God was present in Moses’ time when the Israelites were to cross the Read Sea. Shortly before this, they were in a crisis in Egypt under Pharaoh. Exodus 13:21 NIV tells us, “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.”

The year 2021 is no clear path for anyone; however, our faith in God should propel us to exercise an unwavering confidence in his might and spontaneous, miraculous nature. Is there a need to fear? This comes naturally, of course! However, Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:6 NIV, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Matthew 6:25-26 NIV encourages us, “ Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Scientists, politicians, world leaders, clergymen, etc., are all searching for answers, but we know that man is limited in knowledge and capacity. Some policies will work, while others will fail. Humans are prone to err. That is why we can tune the hymn, The Solid Rock, penned by Edward Mote (1834):

My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand.

In closing, I exhort you as Paul exhorted the Hebrews in his closing remarks in Hebrews 13:8 NIV, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” A happy and hopeful 2021 to you, Jamaica!

Nathaniel Madden is junior minister, Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Christians. Send feedback to ccsdc7@gmail.com