Christian leaders will likely be grappling with the fallout from COVID-19 for years to come.īut, surprisingly, state-level pandemic restrictions had no measurable, lasting impact on American churches. And even when attendance numbers have rebounded, there are still people missing from many congregations. Some furloughed staff members haven’t gone back to work. A new, extensive study by Arbor Research Group and ChurchSalary, a ministry of Christianity Today, found that a lot of pastors are still in crisis. “I was anxious, personally, to make that a memory.”Īcross the country, Protestant congregations are dealing with the long-term impacts of the pandemic. “I got rid of every visual reminder in the church,” Schoch told CT. He quickly tore down the state-mandated signs about social distancing, hand washing, and masks. But as soon as they were lifted, he wanted to put them all behind him. Like most ministers in the US, the pastor of Crossroads Bible Church in San Jose, California, did his best to comply with the many pandemic rules imposed by state and local governments. Jeff Schoch was ready to be done with COVID-19 health safety regulations. Only then may we begin to fathom the fullness of this ‘peace’ which He promises to all who believe.Įven in states where regulations were severe, most congregations moved on quickly. Let us meditate upon Christ, immerse ourselves in His presence and be transformed into His likeness. Amid the chaos and perils of the world, we can center ourselves at the feet of Jesus. Though we face challenges of every kind, we can find rest in the ‘eye of the storm’. When we pursue peace, we therefore also pursue the Kingdom. “ For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 14:17). Peace is also a pillar in the Kingdom of God. As such, if we are to pursue peace, we are to pursue the very nature of Christ Himself. In scripture, Jesus is described as the ‘Prince of Peace’. It is a call to stand up and state our claim that chaos is not welcome in our homes, in our schools, and in our cities. Some biblical scholars believe that this notion of Shalom refers to the realm where chaos is not allowed to enter, – chaos here is understood as sickness, war, social strife, or the violation of the covenant. This concept of peace does not only relate to an absence of strife or a passive sense of calm. In Hebrew, the word for peace is šālôm or ‘shalom’, which in the Old Testament often referred to God’s heavenly order or peace as a covenant with His people. The biblical concept of peace is so much more than that. In the English language, the word peace often hints at a sense of calm and serenity. Stay in covenant with Jesus and experience His all-surpassing peace. This is God’s covenant to those who walk closely with Him. Though the world around us may falter and fall, we can stand firm in who we are in Christ Jesus, with full confidence in our hearts that He will come through for us. The Lord’s covenant of peace rests on us today. The Bible says, “‘ Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you,” (Isaiah 54:10). So, what exactly is this promised peace of Jesus, and how do we walk in it? We need only rest in the Father’s perfect plan – and it is a plan of hope, salvation, and peace in Jesus Christ. We need not be afraid or troubled we need not be swayed by our circumstances. It is a constant proclamation of Christ’s promise to us and a bold reminder that we have nothing to fear. I believe that this spoken word resonates in and through us today. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, (John 14:27). Jesus said, “ Peace I leave with you my peace I give you. Instead, Christ Himself left us with a secret weapon to not only face the onslaught of the world but to overcome it. We are not governed by the principalities that sow darkness over the earth. We have a hope that the world does not know. Whose Peace Do You Lean On?Īs the Body of Christ, we have a mandate to fulfill. Amid the turmoil, we can either be swept away in brutal hurricanes of anxiety and dread, or we can choose to abide by the words of Jesus who promised us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Fears of death, economic upheaval, and debilitating disease threaten our very humanity. COVID-19 is spreading at an exponential rate. We see the evidence of this every day as new challenges arise beyond our control. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
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