COVID: WWJD? Reflections on Matthew 14
David Turner
drdavidlturner.com ? Scholar in Residence for New Testament Studies at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Doing church during COVID-19 is obviously a challenge. I recently had the opportunity through the magic of Zoom to reflect on Matthew 14 with Genesis Church in Coralville Iowa. The story of Jesus’ feeding the multitude teaches us not only about his power but also about our responsibility during these difficult days. My new post contains reflections on these matters and a video of the gathering with Genesis Church.
In Matthew 14 Jesus feeds the multitude just after hearing the horrible news of John the Baptist's brutal martyrdom. It's clear that Jesus needs to be alone with God (Matt 14:13), but he gives himself to the pressing needs of the crowd all day long before he is finally able to get away and pray (Matt 14:23). His compassion for the hungry masses contrasts with his disciples’ desire to get rid of them.
Do we wish that COVID and all its problems would just go away, or do we view the pandemic as an opportunity for us to show God’s love to hurting people?
Faith > Fear! I hope you find this new post helpful.
David
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Director, Small Church Ministries
4 年Praying!