We’re here. Standing at the starting line of a new year, each one of us gearing up with resolutions, plans, expectations, and hope for better days.
We are exhausted. This year has been full of trial and tribulation and so, so much heartache. How much have we lost? How much more is there to lose? It’s in these moments that we reflect on the sentiments of the King David; “How long, Lord? How long?”
COVID-19 has brought about a whole new era of yearning and desire. We are away from our loved ones. We are away from our church communities. We have spent months in our homes, passing the time with anxiety and the occasional joy of watching paint dry as many embarked on numerous renovation projects — as I know I certainly have. The whole world is ready to be together again, as we are all collectively seeking community.
How lucky are we, the children of Christ, that even in the solitary days that stretched into months this past year, we were never without the presence of God?
In a cultural moment that is globally defined by loneliness, maybe God’s company is something worth sharing.
We are all broken and hungry sinners who have the opportunity to bring others the bread of life.
CMC has declared the initiative of multiplication. In this, they have set out to bring the presence of God, the joy of a savior, to those who may not know him. Could there ever be a better time than now? When the world so desperately craves community?
It is written, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” So what does multiply mean?
Oxford defines the word as “increase or cause to increase greatly in number or quantity.” Merriam Webster defines it as “to become greater in number.” In Matthew 28, Jesus describes it as “…make[ing] disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
In this, I have personally reflected on how I can interpret “multiply” in such an unprecedented time. What does the future hold? When will the next time be that the church can gather together? Given all the heartache this year has left us with, how can we reach out to the hurting if we are also coming from a broken place?
In this questioning, I have come up with a frugal list of what I can do despite the tragedy — and I think it comes down to a choice: to be overcome, or to overcome; to sink or swim; to let go or to let God.
I believe that the solution doesn’t have to be grand or ostentatious. I believe that multiplying is as simple as sitting with those who are hurting. Being willing to listen to those who are lost and carrying the burden together. I heard it said once that we are all broken and hungry sinners who have the opportunity to bring others the bread of life. I’m not sure any other sentiment can more accurately describe the state we find ourselves in today. So as we walk into this new year, we remember that the presence of God is with us, it is for us, and it will never leave us. Here we have cause for hope and no better motivation than this to go forward and multiply.
2 Responses
Wow. Thank you so much for this insight. You have articulated this movement so eloquently. Now is the time for Christians to share the love and hope of Christ.
Really needed this ♡