In recent hours, my heart has been heavy for Providence Baptist Church. I love Providence with all my heart and want the very best for each of you. This morning I have spent much time in asking God for wisdom during these days of doing what He would have me do as I shepherd His people. The Scripture makes it very clear; the Good Shepherd is Jesus Christ our Lord. He gives a divine call to His shepherds to take care of the sheep He has entrusted to them. I take seriously that calling which involves protecting, as much as I possibly can, from the wolves that threaten the sheep. Covid-19 is a vicious wolf, and I have the strong conviction that I must follow what I feel to be in the best interest of the people God has called me to shepherd.
This morning I came across a very wise word from the outstanding preacher, Dr. David Jeremiah. Dr. Jeremiah has shared some very wise words that God has used to give me strength for this day, and these insights I must share with you. I ask you to read and meditate on them. Feel free to share them with others.
Dr. Jeremiah made the statement, “I don’t know all that God is doing or going to do during this pandemic, but I know what He has done in the past. I know He is going to do some great things in the future.” Dr. Jeremiah goes on to give Biblical illustrations of how God has sheltered His people in times past. I believe with all my heart that God would have us shelter from a virus that is very dangerous, even life-threatening. Let us look at the Biblical characters God sheltered.
Noah: God sheltered Noah, his family and friends in the ark for 100 days. Then God blessed Noah and his sons, and told them to be fruitful and multiply the earth.
Jacob: God sheltered Jacob from the anger of his Uncle Laban for many days, and following the time of sheltering God changed Jacob’s name from Jacob to Israel.
Moses: God sheltered Moses in a desert land and then used Him as a great leader among God’s people.
Naomi: God sheltered Naomi in the barren land of Moab. Then Naomi and Ruth traveled to Bethlehem and we see one of the greatest of love stories.
David: God sheltered David for 15 years after he became King of Israel. David became known as a man after God’s own heart.
Elijah: Elijah was sheltered by the brook of Cherith. Then God used Elijah to challenge the prophets of Baal, and blessed Elijah with a miraculous victory.
Jonah: Jonah was sheltered for three days in the belly of a whale. Then, following his time of shelter, he was the instrument God used for a great revival in Nineveh.
Daniel: Daniel was sheltered for 70 years in Babylon where he wrote the Old Testament book of Daniel.
Esther: Esther was sheltered in the palace of the Egyptian king. It was written that: “Esther came into the kingdom for such a time as this.”
The Disciples: The Disciples were sheltered for 10 days in the Upper Room. Then the Holy Spirit came upon them and the church was formed.
Apostle Paul: Paul was sheltered in jail for three years, and during this time he wrote the books of Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians.
The Beloved Disciple, John: John was exiled on the isle of Patmos, and from that exile we have the book of Revelation.
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD: For three days, God sheltered Jesus in the tomb, and then GOD BROUGHT HIS SON BACK FROM THE GRAVE. HE IS ALIVE TODAY!
I thank Dr. David Jeremiah for these great insights from God’s word. I also thank him for sharing that God is “AN UNCHANGING GOD WHO IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH - A PRESENT HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE." AMEN