Daily Devotion

I've been feeling very restless and more than a bit out of my normal element lately. When I think about all the changes that have come with this virus, along with the inevitable changes we will be witnessing in the future, I find myself feeling less proactive and more reactive. Less optimistic, and more resigned. The ever-growing distance between what is happening “now” and getting “back to normal” has left me feeling pretty powerless and struggling with direction. I know what I need to do for my neighbor now--stay at home, look after the kids, practice physical distancing, stay connected through phone, email, etc.--but what will this whole thing look like in the future?

I have moments where I feel rather defeated by the nagging notion that whatever was normal before may never be again. I am looking at an entirely new normal…new life?

The disciples were facing a similar “new normal” after their teacher died. Many were in disbelief even after his resurrection. What do we do now? What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus, now? Peter reminded them… . 

Acts 2:14a, 22-32

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.

22 "You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— 23 this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24 But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25 For David says concerning him, "I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' 29 "Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, "He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.' 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. 

In moments where I feel discouraged, separated, distanced, and directionless, this text reminds me that we are not abandoned to this. As worn out as I feel by the prospect of a new normal, the worst thing that can happen to me is not the LAST thing that will happen to me. I am encouraged by Peter’s words. I am encouraged by the words of David. I am encouraged by the promise that there is nowhere I can go where God has not already been--where God is not already waiting for us.  Remembering this, I am encouraged. I hope you may feel encouraged, too. 

Peace,

Pastor Alex.  

5 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Mark Buelsing

I like that analogy between our new normal and the disciple's new normal. Both are huge and hard to fathom until lived. Peter's words are comforting still today. Thank you Pastor Alex.

4/15/2020 12:23 AM

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Renungan Hari ini

This lesson touches my heart, in so many ways. I know he is always their, and waiting for me to reach out to him,

and ask for his help and blessing. Every thing is in his time.

www.renungan.org

4/15/2020 11:32 AM

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Mary grace friesen

Thoughtful article. It will be interesting to experience the new normal. Your devotions with your beautiful children were very special. Hope to see u in church soon

4/15/2020 4:41 PM

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Beth Lofstrom

Oh man, this is just right for me today. Thank you. I AM reminded how the disciples in the early church actually did not know what would happen next..nor could they know what the impact of what they all had been a part would be through the ages. No idea what the thing they were living through would mean for future generations. This encourages me in this present "new normal."

4/15/2020 5:58 PM

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Laurie Boisclair

Being a type A personality feeling restless too,,and want to do more. This really spoke to me...makes me along with our fellow disciples be more accepting of the new normal. Whatever lies before us we too can be strong.

4/15/2020 8:19 PM

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