Facts In The Face Of Crisis
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.”-Abraham Lincoln.
Great words from a great leader in a time of crisis. Lincoln’s words can be applied to the words of Jesus. In His final hours before going to the cross, Jesus spoke truth based on real facts. In the fourteenth chapter of the gospel of John we find three real facts worthy of consideration in our time of national crisis. His words are a source of comfort, encouragement, and assurance for those who put their trust in Christ.
First is the fact that Jesus is the way to know God. “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:4 NLT) The apostle, Thomas, had just told Jesus that he did not understand what the Lord had spoken to all the disciples. In a nutshell, Jesus’ response was that knowing Him was enough for now. So it is today. There is much we don’t know. It is sufficient to trust the One who knows all things.
Second is the fact that our Lord has promised to never leave us alone. “…I will not abandon you as orphans-I will come to you.” (John 14:8 NLT) This is Christ’s promise of His presence with us, and in us, through the Holy Spirit. The real fact of the matter is that God is with us from the cradle to the coffin. Our creator is not social distancing during the Coronavirus.
Thirdly is the promise of His peace. “I am leaving you with a gift of peace-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” (John 14:27NLT) His peace exceeds anything we understand. It is peace that rests more on who you know than what you know.
Let us stand on these real facts in the face of this real crisis. Solid facts to stand on when the times are shaky.
–Terry Morrison