This Sunday was the first time we have worshipped virtually as a whole congregation, since the Covid-19 outbreak. During the first song, I wept as I sat on my living room floor with the kids bustling around me. My heart aches to be back with you all, sharing life, hearing voices fill the space, watching the kids run around together. But, what a gift it is that even in the uncertainty of the world, we can still worship, pray and hear from God’s Word together.

Sunday, Justin preached on how Jesus has true authority. In this season of information overload, the challenge for each of us will be, “Who do you listen to/who is your authority?” It is easy for me to let the information I receive from the news and various people cause me anxiety and fear. But, when I look to Jesus, particularly reflecting on His authority, His word tends to silence the other voices. Why is that? The realities of the world and the upheaval are still just as real, but, held against the authority of Jesus, things are brought back into perspective.

Jesus’ authority is displayed in His power & His weakness. His death on the cross is the display of His truest authority- His perceived weakness, His suffering and sacrificial love and His power are both clearly seen. His vulnerability does not minimize His authority, but actually further proves it.

This week, as a staff team we held our first meeting virtually. We walked through Psalm 139 and it held great truths to cling to in these uncertain times, especially holding Jesus’ true authority in view. I hope these verses bring you comfort as you sort through all that is going on:

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.(v.1-2)

You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.(v.5)

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.(v.16)

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” (v.23-24)

Our church has always done community well, and so we feel the absence of that more acutely. But, I also know our church loves each other well in times like these. It is my prayer that in the days and weeks ahead, we would be known for our deep care for one another.

~Bronwyn Siebert