ONMB Newsletter | April Issue
Greetings Friends,
I met my neighbor yesterday while out walking (what else is there to do these days) and she noted with exasperation “who would have thought that a year into this pandemic, things would be getting worse.” I certainly didn’t see this coming, and I’m guessing you didn’t either. On the verge of a third provincial lockdown, we are in uncharted territory. The vaccine role out can’t happen fast enough. Many of you (particularly lead pastors) have to again pivot and make some agonizing decisions that will impact your church community. These are trying days.
On the verge of Easter weekend my mind wanders to reflect on what it must have been like for the disciples’ those fateful days as they lived their unsettling story. They had no idea how their lives were about to change. If you follow the Lukan account, you see that in chapter 19 Jesus entered Jerusalem as a King, but not as they had imagined. No, he rode a donkey and wept over the city. He then emotionally and violently cleansed the temple only to return the next few days to the relentless attacks of the religious leaders (Lk. 20, 21). On the night before his arrest, he gathered his little band, shared a meal, washed their feet and noted that someone in their midst would betray him. Talk about an emotionally distressing season.
In hindsight we see the overarching plan of Jesus. In our moment, we only see dimly. But we know from experience that the Lord has us in the palm of his hand right now. As we live through these uncharted days, the words of Isaiah come to mind. I sense that they are worth our deep reflection:
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Is. 43:18-19
I’d love to hear what God says to you as you reflect on those words.
By His blood and in His name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
On mission with you,
Ed Willms,
Executive Director
