A Matter of Urgency

CELERY

The New Year 2020 began with the fearsome outbreak and global spread of the coronavirus. Now in its third month, the virus has reached a pandemic level, with no cure in sight.

Worldwide Calamities

In January, the Taal Volcano here in the Philippines erupted, leaving thousands of families without homes. It spewed ash through a wide swath of surrounding cities and provinces. It was startling to discover that eruptions in other countries were happening.

More shocking news arrived in January. It was the death of basketball megastar Kobe Bryant and his daughter in an airplane crash. It left a void in the VIP sports world. An untold number of friends and followers around the world was in mourning.

Alongside these jarring events are the bush fires in Australia, flooding in Indonesia, locust plague in Africa, the on-going war in the Middle East, and other deplorable developments happening worldwide. We live in such a troubled and unsettling world right now.

Towards Destruction

Natural and human-made disasters, death, a health scare, war. These are stark reminders that much remains beyond our control, and we cannot be left to ourselves.

Global warming, pollution, and destruction of our environment supersede progress and advancements in science and technology. Violation of rights, hatred, and greed of people in power and position dominate the scene. And the common people are not exempted. Sins are committed each day. To those whose god is themselves, it is self-destructive.

Towards Progress

On the other hand, there is a half-hour documentary called “I AM ISRAEL.” It is the story of Israel and its people. The film speaks of the Jewish nation, which has undergone dramatic change over the past 30 years.

I read that 7000 Jewish and Christian congregations around the world viewed this. I know now why I badly wanted a copy for myself. There is a theme interspersed between the scenes and the interviews—restoration, renewal, and rebirth to my surprise and delight.

The Connection

This trio of the 3 Rs was what had inspired me to start the Whitebutterfly blog over 2 years ago – an invitation to write a story about you and me. It is to share with the rest of the world through the internet how much we appreciate our unique calling, experience, and personal encounter with a living God.

Like Israel, we can declare and shout with joy that God is very much present and working in our lives as Christians. He meets our every need, restoring us to health. He helps renew our commitment to him, our loved ones, or those he assigns us to love. We constantly experience a rebirth in him – a new life in his Spirit – the fullness of which only He can give!

The Time is Now

At this critical moment in our history, I feel a sense of urgency. It’s like we are compelled to recognize this divine creator of the universe for our own sake and welfare.

Our Call to Faith and Trust

Here is a God who is almighty and sovereign. He is above and beyond the “gods,” we keep in our hearts. He is the pure light amidst the darkness and peace amidst the chaos. RESTORATION, RENEWAL, and REBIRTH. This is his gift. We need only to accept it with uncompromising faith and trust.

There is always a meaning and purpose for everything. The coronavirus and other devastating events unfolding in the world today will have its significance – a meaning and purpose for people who have decided to choose faith and trust in a God who saves and is in full control. Where there is faith, hope, and love of God and neighbor, Restoration, Renewal, Rebirth will follow after for sure.

JOHN 10:10

A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.