What should Christians do in uncertain times?
We live in a time when uncertainty is a given. At any moment, we may feel unwell. On any day, we may find ourselves unemployed. News outlets speculate the world is entering a time of heightened uncertainty due to factors outside of any governments control. In these uncertain times, how should Christians respond? What can we do to manage times of uncertainty? Last Sunday, we unpacked this question with the passage of John 4:43-54. Here are the three key things we learned:
1. In uncertain times, we should seek Jesus (v43-47)
When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. - John 4:47
There was an Official from Capernaum, whose son was seriously ill. The uncertainty must have been difficult to bear. But when the Official heard that Jesus was in Galilee, the only things he could do was to travel from Capernaum to Galilee to seek Jesus and request for his healing power.
The distance to travel between Capernaum and Galilee was approximatelyy 25 kms. The Official had to sacrifice his time and effort in order to seek the certainty he knew he could find in Jesus. Similarly, we too can find certainty in Jesus. But what does it look like to seek Jesus?
Firstly, we ought to pray and communicate with Him. Jesus loves to listen to our prayers, especially during uncertain times. As that is when we are the most dependant on Him. Secondly, we should meditate on the Word of God. For the Word of God equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And finally, we seek Jesus by seeking Christian community. It is in this community we will find certainty in Christ
Reflection Questions:
What do you do/seek in times of uncertainty?
Out of prayer, meditation on the Word, seeking encouragement from other Christians, which do you seek in uncertain times, and which do you avoid?
What can you do to improve this?
2. We should trust and obey Jesus (v48-50)
Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. - John 4:50
As humans, we often will not believe until we can see evidence. Many times we require others to prove to us so we can believe what they are telling us.
In this passage, the Official requested Jesus to come to physically restore his son’s health. However, Jesus’ response required faith to believe, as Jesus just responded by saying, “Go; your son will live.” In response, the Official simply trusted in Jesus’ Word and went back to his son.
Many times, we don’t trust in Jesus’ Words. And in turn, we disobey by turning to our own man-made solutions. We ought to remember that in uncertain times, we should trust and obey Jesus; no matter how difficult it may be.
Questions:
When you experience uncertainty, are there certain “Christ like attitudes” that you throw away?
Do you find that you need “evidence” from God before you can trust and obey him?
Why is this wrong?
3. We should prioritise Jesus (v 51-54)
The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. - John 4:53)
If you’ve studied business, you’ll know about Maslow’s Theory. Maslow’s Theory states that a person’s behaviour is dictated based on their needs. There are multiple categories of needs, with the most fundamental need being physiological needs, and the high-level needs being self-actualisation needs. Regardless of what need we have, if our plan is for our needs to be met by things of this world, we will never be fully satisfied.
It is only when we prioritise Jesus, and seek for our needs to be met by Him, will we ever be truly satisfied. Just like how the Official prioritised Jesus’ Word above all, and trusting that Jesus’ Word would come to pass, was what he needed to feel a sense of certainty during his uncertain time.
As Christians, we shouldn’t feel uncertain, as we have a God who faithfully and unconditionally loves us, even in the most uncertain of times.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:28-29
Questions:
Why does Jesus’ death and resurrection give us meaning in life?
What are we currently prioritizing in life? Do your current priorities in life match with the meaning that Jesus has given us through his death and resurrection?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Son Jesus. Thank you that we have hope in you, even in the most uncertain times. Please help us to seek, trust & obey you at all times, even in the midst of uncertainty.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen