God’s Word For Times Like TheseSample

But one day the veil will be lifted; earth and heaven will be one; Jesus will be personally present, and every knee shall bow at his name; creation will be renewed; the dead will be raised; and God's new world will at last be in place, full of new prospects and possibilities. 

N.T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense

UNSEEN, BUT REAL

We hear a lot about the fact that, just because we cannot see something, it does not mean it is not there. Take the coronavirus for instance! It is invisible, yet it is alive and all around us. But today, Paul wants to turn our attention towards another invisible reality which is far greater than anything else, seen or unseen – and that is God’s eternal Kingdom, of which we are a part. 

It is so easy to keep our focus on things what we can see around us: whether signs of “the good life” we wish to live: the latest gadgets, beautiful home-décor, pretty clothes, fast cars… you name it. Or the opposite: the sickness, pain and suffering that is all around us. But these are all temporary and will not last - neither the good nor the bad. God’s Word reminds us that only His eternal Kingdom will stand forever. What a comfort to know that there is and will always be more to life than that which meets the eye!

With your family

Write the words ‘NOW’ and ‘NOT YET’ in large letters on separate pieces of paper. Draw a smiley face and a sad face on separate smaller pieces of paper. 

Place NOW on the floor with the two faces below it - starting two columns. Gather some items from your home that you enjoy now and line them up them below the happy face. Add some items below the sad face that cause sadness in your world e.g. a medicine bottle. You can also write or draw images on paper to add to either list. Today’s reading says while we may be focusing on these things, God is preparing something much, much better for us. A lavish celebration! Draw some images to add below the ‘NOT YET’ column.

Together, thank God for your smiley face things, pray about the sad face things and create your own celebration for what is yet to come.

Lord, although we cannot see you, we trust you today. Amen