Greetings,
At this present time, we are all being impacted by the coronavirus that has spread around the world affecting the lives of millions either physically or financially; some being impacted in both areas. As I reflect back to the start of the year and how many believers entered with high hopes and great expectations, I remember the word of God to the members of Build Ministries to get our houses in order (2 Kings 20:1-2). Since then we have been caught off guard yet again by events that shocked the world. The development of the COVID-19 coronavirus seemingly came out of nowhere and has caught the world of guard and unprepared for its spread. You may remember the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, or the housing crisis of 2008 that many were saying that we have recently begun to recover from. Now, in 2020, we are yet again caused to take a sobering look at life while we give thanks to God for the lives we have.
Being aware of how life has changed following the previously mentioned events, it should be expected to see adjustments to our way of life following this latest series of occurrences with the COVID-19. Following 2001 we have seen changes in travel and airport access. The housing crisis saw an impact on employment and the wages people now earn. Yet with all that has happened, God has never left nor forsaken his children as we have seen his continued care and blessing morning by morning.
Presently we are studying about the Kingdom of Heaven as taught in Matthew 13. In the last segment we examined verse 44 where the man found treasure in a field. After finding it, he hid it then sold all that he had so he could buy that field. The question posed is what is it that we are willing to give up, sacrifice, let go of, in order to gain the treasure that is the Kingdom of God?
Jesus said that we are to deny ourselves if we are to follow him and we must do this continuously (Matthew 16:24). There have been reports of some people defying the recommendations from health officials and other experts regarding social gatherings. In a sense, it is as if they are shaking their hands in the faces of those who understand wisdom. Now, elected officials from state to state are calling for, and even mandating, the closure of such establishments that bring people together such as restaurants, bars, etc. These are the very places many insisted on continuing to frequent because, for some, it is important to continue to live their lives.
In Mark 10:21-22 we read, ‘Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth’. The question must be asked again; What are you willing to give up for the treasure of the kingdom?
In conclusion, we will get through this. What it will look like on the other side has yet to be seen. However, to this I can testify that I was once young but now am old, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor is seed begging bead. What God has for those who love him is far better than what we may lose.
Pastor. Earon Hill
Build Ministries 