The events of this week have been unsettling for many of us. We've experienced a violent riot on the grounds of parliament, witnessed the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, devastating floods in Australia and the ever-increasing cases of COVID-19 bringing more and more uncertainty to our lives.
At times like this, we're so blessed to have God's word, the Bible, as it speaks to the full range of human experience in a broken and fallen world. The Bible is honest about grief and anxiety and suffering and loneliness. It doesn't shy away from these things but validates them and deals with them.
But the Bible also doesn't leave us there to wallow in this funk or remain overwhelmed by what is happening around us. In the scriptures we're comforted by a clear picture of ultimate reality - God is in control, Jesus is ruling from his throne, we're empowered by the Holy Spirit, justice is coming, and God works for the good of those who love him.
The words of Hebrews 4 have been on my mind recently as I've taken comfort that Jesus is ruling from his throne,
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Here we see the reality of Jesus being on the throne means three things for us:
1. It means our faith in him is well placed - 'let us hold fast to our confession'. We can be certain and comforted that what we believe is true because Jesus is reigning and ruling right now from his throne even if circumstances worry us.
2. It means he knows our struggle - 'we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise'. Jesus knows what it is like to be sinned against, to be lied to, to experience injustice and violence. He's been there too.
3. It means we can come to him in times of need - "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace". We don't need to wait until we've got it all together or until things settle down. In this moment of need, we can and should come to Jesus with our worries and concerns and requests.
So, remember this when it is all seeming like it is too much...
When we see rioters throwing bricks at the police - Jesus is on the throne.
When we see fires burning outside the parliament - Jesus is on the throne.
When we see police and the authorities using force against members of the public - Jesus is on the throne.
When we're frustrated and tired of COVID restrictions - Jesus is on the throne.
When we feel swamped by the pandemic - Jesus is on the throne.
When we're feeling sick - Jesus is on the throne.
When we see a country invaded and innocent people dying - Jesus is on the throne.
When we see floods and fires and famines - Jesus is on the throne.
When we feel lost, uncertain and worried about the future - Jesus is on the throne.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
P.S. I read a helpful blog this morning from a friend, Dave McDonald, who has been living with lung cancer for the past 10 years. It is a reflection on the Book of Daniel and hope and faith in God even during times of adversity. You can read it here.