Last night I went to sleep with loud explosions near our house that shook the windows and lit up the trees. It was neighbors celebrating 2020 a few hours early. The grand-kids loved it for the few minutes it was happening. Then we all said goodnight to 2019 and settled in for a long winter’s nap.
Today we woke up to a new day, a new month, a new year, a new decade, and a new century. It was even sunny here. What will 2020 hold? There is no question that things have changed. There are fears of climate change, health issues, cultural revolution, sexual confusion, personal safety, nuclear war, and government collapse.
A prime example of this is the recent church shooting in the area of Fort Worth, Texas. It caught our attention since my son Ezra lives ten minutes from the church where a gunman walked in a killed two men. Ezra is an artist by profession but is now also training to be an armed guard. Our world is changing!
But, for the Christian there is a brighter side. The gunman in Texas was spotted and being watched by church security people the instant he walked in the door. His long coat, unusual manor and fake beard were clues. Then during the communion service he rose and killed two men of the church. He himself was killed within 6 seconds when the chief of their security fired one round to the head. The chief takes no praise in it but describes it as “killing evil.” It is a miracle that more were not killed. The lesson is we all have to be more vigilant…even during communion.
The world is changing. We will face new challenges and dangers so make sure you have 2020 vision. Remember what Christ said in Matthew 10:28. "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
There are some dangers around us. Don’t fear them. There are over 100 verses in Scripture that tell us directly not to fear these dangers. But have a healthy fear of the Lord instead. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Then apply it to what we should be doing. We should be carrying out the great commission (cf. Matthew 28:19-20). Even Simon the fisherman had to learn that. Luke 5:10b says, “And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men."
Maybe it is time for an eye exam. I need one. Get your vision corrected to 2020 and get busy. It’s even still sunny out. And…Happy New Year.
Pastor Mark