My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations…’ (Isaiah 56:7)
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior once preached a sermon entitled Rediscovering Lost Values during which he commented on how through the advancement of science and technology we have effectively made the world like one neighbourhood. And when you think of the further advancements made in the last 60 years, particularly with satellite communications and trans-continental travel, that neighbourhood seems to have become even smaller. This was further illustrated somewhat painfully this past week when I saw a map showing how the coronavirus had spread across the globe – all nations seemed to merge into one.
Of course we are all God’s children – every man, woman and child on this planet. Irrespective of nationality, race or gender, we are all children of God, part of His worldwide family and He cares for each and every one of us. Yet at times like this some may of course question such an idea and ask where then is God, if He does care for us in this way. My answer to that is that He is present in all those groups and individuals who are demonstrating His love in their selfless acts for others. Wherever there is love, compassion and comfort being shown, God is at the heart of all that. Wherever people are living out the Gospel message selflessly thinking of the needs of other, by His Spirit God is there and of course wherever people are praying, God is there too.
Lord help us to come to You in prayer at this time and to know that in the midst of these painful and uncertain days, You are still there – and always will be. Amen.