Recently I received a message that a dog breeder was ceasing operations and that many pedigreed dogs had to be adopted or be euthanised. Naturally, many people were very interested. After all, who, looking for a dog, could pass up adopting a purebred dog of free?
But then, a follow up message came along, warning that the dogs were beset with health problems. These poor dogs were at a ‘puppy mill’, kept for the purpose of breeding pups for sale.
I do not know why the puppy mill was closing down. It could have been due to poor demand for puppies during the circuit breaker period. However, I do know that I felt dismayed that nearly 50 dogs faced an uncertain future, or death, through no fault of theirs. Who could save them?
Our future is also uncertain. We do not know what will happen tomorrow, let alone next month or next year. There could be an explosion of Covid-19 cases next week, resulting in a more restrictive circuit breaker instead of easing. Our economy could contract to such an extent that unemployment becomes rampant. We could even be facing food shortages if other countries stop exporting food so as to feed their own people.
Like the dogs at the puppy mill, we face an uncertain future. BUT. Unlike the dogs, we are not facing death. Oh, we will all die a physical death, that is certain. But all who believe in Jesus Christ are guaranteed eternal life after the physical death. This is made absolutely crystal clear to us in John 3:16.
This is what gives us hope. And this is not a ‘wishful thinking’ kind of hope. It is a ‘sure and certain expectation’ kind of hope. No matter what the world throws at us, in the end, we will be delivered. We will triumph. Not because we are able. But because God is more than able.
Another ‘viral issue’, a social and not biological one, was a recent Straits Times article, surveying what people thought were the most essential and least essential vocations.
The people surveyed said the least essential vocation was ‘Artist’. This of course upset all those who were, or were connected to, Artists. I don’t blame them. If anyone told me that pastors were the least essential vocation, I’d be upset too!
However, with God, everyone is essential. Each and every one of us is precious in God’s sight.
Luke 12:6–7 (ESV)
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Friend, do not fear. However the world mistreats you and misuses you, however uncertain the future is, whatever people think of you, however people undervalue you, YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO GOD. He will not let you go. He will not think of you as unworthy or unneeded.
Romans 8:32 (ESV)
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
In whatever situation you’re in right now, you’re right to trust him. He will get us through this. He gave us each other, he gave us his Son and he gives us his love. We will be fine.
God Bless and Keep You.
Pastor David