Contemplation: He's Got The World In His Hands

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan

'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9

Recently, Singapore joined many other countries to 'Live with Covid.' The high take up of vaccination (more that 84% of the population are fully vaccinated), and the protection accorded against severe disease allowed Singapore to take this approach. Severe restrictions hurt the Singapore economy and our status as a international hub, a serious threat to our livelihood and future. However the delta variant of the Corona virus is highly contagious and breakthrough infections post-vaccination occur at a significant rate albeit mild or asymptomatic.

Living with Covid comes with some restrictions. It is not without difficulties. Unfortunately many citizens gripe and rail against the government especially the netizens in internet chatrooms. These pampered and overly cared for complainants are unwilling to live with difficulties. What ingratitude!

There may be another reason why people complain at times of crisis and difficulties, insecurity. Some may feel that life has bottomed out and they feel uncertain and insecure. At such times, it will do well for us to remember God's promise in Isaiah 54:10,

"Though the mountains be shaken and hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

The grumblings of Singaporeans reminds us of the attitude of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness during the Exodus. The wandering Israelites grumbled against Moses and then God Himself. Despite all that God had done for them, providing manna, quails and water, they were not satisfied and rebelled against Him.

It is true that life in the Sinai desert was not easy. Pippa, Nikki Gumbel's wife said, 'Life for God's people doesn't seem very easy. They didn't spend their days having fun, playing in the sunshine. There were difficulties everywhere; hunger and thirst, aggressive neighbours and snakes!' As Mark Twain once said 'Life is just one darn thing after another. God doesn't seem to take difficulties away but He does help us come through them.' (Ref 1)

God may be silent at such times of crisis but He is never absent. We are not insulated from a difficult life but in the difficulties, God is there for us. Recognise the value of God's promises and presence.

There was a dialogue of God with Moses in the desert recorded in Exodus 33 that underscores the importance Moses attached to God being present with the Israelites in their exodus out of Egypt. This was right after the Israelites committed a grievous sin by worshipping the golden calf they had forged. Moses was so incensed by their idolatry that he smashed the tablets with the Ten Commandments, tossed the idol into the fire, ground the residue and forced the Israelites to drink the sludge.

Following the commotion, there was a respite when Moses met with God. God instructed Moses to leave the area and to carry on their journey but this time, without Him.

'Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.' Exodus 33:3

But Moses flatly refused to accept that condition. He argued,

'If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?' Exodus 33:15-16

Despite all their shortcomings, the Israelites knew that the distinguishing mark that made all the difference, was God's presence with them. They are the people of God. And so, they journeyed for forty years in the wilderness towards the promised land always with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night signifying God's presence.

The experience of Living With Covid can be seen in the same context. In our lifetimes there will be such times of crisis and challenge. God did not promise skies always blue. Nevertheless at such times, God is there for us.

'Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end. Because I am God, your personal God.' Isaiah 43:1-3 The Message

Are we worried about Covid virus? Are we concerned that this pandemic has ravaged the world? Do we live in fear of Covid? We need not fear. Jesus said,

'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' John 16:33

He's got the whole world in His hands! Sing along with African Children Choir