Peaceful sunny days at the park, encircled by the threat of a deadly illness, social ostracizing and violent and systemic injustices. What a weird time, eh? By faith, I believe that Christ is with us here in the chaos. He’s here in the sometimes comfortable, wonderful chaos and in the darkness of pain and confusion. It takes a certain savvy to know what is needed – and when – and how. But a lot is needed. In fact, YOU are needed. You are needed for such a time as this. And God has prepared you for this moment. For this point of in history, in your family, in your neighborhood, in your nation.
But I know that I personally can get way off course if I am not spending time in the Word. I’m feeling the need more this summer than usual to turn to the bible to help me with the direction of my life. I want to have my finder on the pulse of the story-line of God. Maybe you too would like to find Christ in the Crisis. Here’s a plan to turn to some stories of crisis. They are loosely in chronological order.
The Prophet Jeremiah – speaking the truth: encouragements, warnings, de facto and hope.
- Watch Jeremiah’s overview
- Read the call of the prophet Jer 1.
- Read the trouble with worship in the temple Jer 7.
- Read the image of Babylon as a cup of wine Jer 25.
- Read hope in the midst of destruction – change our hearts Jer 30, 33.
- Read the warnings about destruction fulfilled with a promise of hope Jer 52 (parallels 2 Kings 25).
- How are you called to be a prophet? What truths are you to see de facto, as a warning, with encouragement, with hope?
Destruction of the temple and into exile – This is a video heavy week but it doesn’t have to happen in any particular order.
- Watch a background video on the exile.
- Read in 2 Kings 24-25 about the destruction of the temple and being brought into exile.
- Watch a background video on Lamentations.
- Read the book of Lamentations. It could take between 30-60 minutes depending on how much you ponder as you go.
- If you are really interested, you can also view the way of the exile.
- Map out the story-line of what happened in 2 Kings 24-25 and Lamentations.
- Consider ways in which you are in exile, your response, your calling and God’s providential presence.
Esther – for such a time as this.
- read Esther 1-10.
- Watch a background video on Esther.
- Find the elements of the story, along with themes.
- What lines stand out as timeless?
- Parallel scenarios in your life to Esther’s.
Jesus meets Pontius Pilot – in the book of John
- watch a video over viewing the second 1/2 of the book of John
- watch how to read the Gospels
- see why did Jesus have to die as he did by Bishop Robert Barron
- prayerfully read John 18-19:1-16 (all of chapter 18 and part of 18)
- When are you called to stand in the place of Jesus and do as he did?
Missionary Journeys of Paul –
- watch an over view of the middle of the book of acts to get a feel for Paul’s missionary journeys.
- Read this expert from 2 Corinthians. It is contains pieces from 2 Cor 2:12- 6:2 Highlight the lines that stand out to you.
- What missionary journey are you on? How can you draw strength from Paul’s story?
