This is probably the most anticipated copy of SOKY Happenings in its history. We are all wondering, “What events AREN’T postponed?!” When the first wave of mandated closures came out, our phones at Christian Family Radio (CFR) started ringing with notices of postponed or canceled events. Community events, concert tours, ministry gatherings, fundraisers – all halted. We launched into response-mode and began rewriting spots, editing our webpage calendar, and announcing the changes. It’s been a steady stream of adaptation since then.
You probably feel the same way: adaptation overload. From the way we grocery shop and work, to how we vacation or even worship, most of us are making adaptations. As of this writing, April 20 is the closest date we have that things might “turn back to normal.” After what we have all witnessed globally, I’m not sure that things can ever return to the way they used to be. Normalcy will return, but it will be a new version. Much like our reality after 9/11, we are going to come out different, but honestly (and biblically) I believe it will be for the better.
The fact that this virus has occurred as we are approaching Easter and Passover has not escaped the notice of people who study the Bible and have Judeo-Christian beliefs. Like today, the conditions of the first Passover were a frightening time. The Hebrews were under harsh economic conditions, experiencing inhumane working environments, and held up in their homes waiting for a deadly plague to pass. Their only hope (according to Exodus 12) was to sacrifice a spotless lamb, put its blood on their doorposts, roast the meat, and eat it with their clothes and shoes on. In other words, socially distance yourself from others because there is something dangerous out there, feed yourself well so you’ll have energy for tomorrow and be ready to do who-knows-what in the morning. Any of that feel familiar to you?
God didn’t have the Hebrews do this just one time. Along with His instructions about the meal, He went on to tell them to do this EVERY year afterward. They did and still do. As a matter of fact, celebrating Passover (officially called Feast of Unleavened Bread) is the reason Jesus was back in Jerusalem at the time He was crucified. Passover always leads to sacrifice and this time the final sacrifice would be Jesus.
During both Passover and Easter, the realities were bleak, and the outcomes were uncertain. With the advantage of hindsight we see the amazing results born out of those anxious times. The result of Passover was that an enslaved people group were given freedom and eventually shaped into a mighty nation – one that still wields influence on the global stage today. And as for Easter, it gave the people a way to be free from death and sin and the opportunity to become part of the Kingdom of God. Those outcomes could not have been anticipated while things were so dark, but scripture says, “The Lord rules as king. Let the earth rejoice. Let all the islands be joyful. Clouds and darkness surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne,” (Psalm 97:1&2). Dark times do not indicate an absence of our Father; they are often indicators that He is present.
That is the reason I’m trusting that everything we are experiencing now and all of the ways that we are having to adapt are only going to transform our world for the better. There are too many promises in scripture to assume otherwise. Similar to Passover and Easter, we will need to process our grief and establish new priorities while practicing forgiveness, grace and mercy as we work out the new normal. So be kind to yourself, acknowledge how your life has been impacted, feel all that you need to feel. But trust God, because even though it is going to take time to say it or even feel it, our new “life as we know it” is going to yield much-needed transformation.
-by Stephanie Matthews
About the author: Stephanie, Christian Family Radio Partnership Director, has spent the majority of her career working for non-profits, and has been with CFR for the past three years. She and her husband live in Bowling Green with their two sons, two dogs and one tarantula. Their daughter is currently a student at the University of Kentucky and lives in Lexington.
