Why Are We Surprised?

I’m glued to the news, watching Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Listening to their President rally the nation in their fight against Russia’s much larger military machine. Watching David fell Goliath while millions flee for safety.

All the while, I quietly imagine what would happen if war came to our shores. How would I react if bombs and missiles were being aimed at my city and my family?

Without thinking about it, I act as if this war (or any human conflict) was a huge surprise. I respond as if the renewed threat of nuclear conflict between the U.S. and Russia was something new, something that’s never been faced before.

Jesus knew better. He reminded His disciples that all sorts of bad things happen—evil resulting from the sinful desires of humans, natural catastrophes that our insurance policies define as “acts of God” and virulent diseases are all here and likely to impact our lives.

Internalizing those facts will inevitably change us. It will lead us to either turn TO God in repentance, or turn ON God and blame Him for all the evil in the world.

As we go about our daily business, we should be especially cognizant of the internal conversations our neighbors are having with themselves. Between COVID, the economic turmoil and the prospect of war, there’s lots to process. And lots of opportunities to be “salt and light”.

That’s why reminding ourselves on a daily basis what’s really important is so important. Please take advantage of our daily Lenten devotional videos, and come together with your church community each week to get reinforcement. Use this Lenten season of repentance and contemplation to deepen your relationship and sharpen your focus on what really matters.