LSEM > Devotions > In Memoriam

In Memoriam

  • December 16, 2020
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
No Comments

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies – 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

As we approach the end of the year, we often see different media outlets and organizations produce video segments called “In Memoriam.” These pieces are designed to recognize the people (usually celebrities) who have died during that calendar year. These tributes help us to remember those people we have lost and recognize their contributions to society. It serves as a way for us to say a final goodbye to not only the fallen, but to the year itself. Now the idea of saying goodbye to a year may seem foolish to some, but I think even the staunchest critic of that practice will join the rest of us in bidding 2020 a fond farewell on December 31.

It has been a difficult year. So many things for us to deal with over the past twelve months:

  • A world-wide pandemic causing illness and death
  • A contentious presidential election
  • Heightened racial tensions leading to protests and rioting
  • Economic uncertainty
  • Struggles to care for the elderly and to educate children
  • Increased division along political, racial, and social lines
  • An inability to be in close contact with loved ones
  • Cancelled travel plans and family gatherings
  • and last, but not least – murder hornets

Yes, a difficult year indeed!

Things are happening on our planet continuously; the vast majority of which will never affect us. Something could happen that would impact 500 million people and the lives of over seven billion other people would be unchanged. The physical, financial, and emotional impacts of the coronavirus have been felt by most everyone on Earth in one way or another. A global event of this significance is incredibly rare, and it could bring about permanent changes to the way we live.

That said, it also changes nothing when it comes to the relationship God has with His creation.

COVID-19 and its ramifications all connect back to one root cause: sin. The pain it has caused us and the losses we’ve endured exist because of our fallen condition. From the first sin in Eden to the multiple I have committed while sitting here in front of my computer, our defiance of God’s commands has changed His perfect creation, introducing suffering and death to the equation. But despite our brokenness, our merciful God has given us a way to become whole again.

This gift of grace is exactly what Paul is describing in 2 Corinthians 4. We will experience a lifetime filled with things that will hurt and haunt us, but God’s love will help us see our way through the most difficult of days of our lives. Finally, when we come to the day that we must pay the wages of our sin through death, we will step out of this world of sin into the outstretched arms of Jesus. He will take us to the Father to intercede on our behalf, delivering us to our promised, yet undeserved place in glory.

As we endure the final days of this harrowing year, we need not look back and bemoan the terrible events of 2020. Rather, we should look forward with confidence, trusting in the promises of God. Through Him, we will find better days ahead here on earth and beyond.

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

LSEM Director of Programs & Services