Written in a question and answer format, the Heidelberg Catechism has been used to teach the faith since 1563. And the first question is one that I cling to throughout my day.

 What is your only comfort in life and in death?

1. A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

We live in scary times when headlines continually tell us of bad things.  Wars, rumors of wars, earthquake, storms and the like are always present.  So too are the by-products of these things, refugees, homeless, pestilence, etc.

Today’s headlines are filled with the Corona virus and people are scared.  Many are cancelling both international and domestic trips, people are afraid to go out into public, many are already stockpiling food and water just in case something happens here.  Even churches are considering limiting the “passing of the peace” to a bow, or changing the Lord’s Supper, or even contemplating not meeting for worship.

While I think the Corona virus is dangerous and something we must take seriously, I cannot and will not enter into a “bomb shelter mentality.”  Rather, I remember that my comfort in life is that I belong, body and soul, to Jesus Christ.

Wash your hands frequently.  Limit contact with the sick (unless you are called to minister to the sick).  Use standard precautions.  Check in on those who have compromised immune systems.  Pray for all infected and all who battle this virus.

And be like Jesus.  Rest in His eternal arms while you be a Christ-like presence to those around you.

Peace,

Pastor Bill