Reflections following Easter
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Hello Everyone!
I trust you had a wonderful Easter gathering as we did here in Tokyo. It was a tremendous time celebrating our risen Lord especially in this unique season of isolation, social distancing and stay-at-home orders.
I was inspired by some of my times with Christ this past week‚ particularly as reading from Isaiah chapter 61, and it reminded me of what God's calling is in my heart for the current season that is so challenging for this world. Let me read it to you; Jesus repeats this in the New Testament, but Isaiah says:...
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations." (Isaiah 61:1-4 ESV)
What a call we have during such a difficult and dark season to bring the hope that Christ brings to this world!
I'm praying for all of us in these days of challenge whether they be the challenge of this COVID-19 virus and the way that's impacting the safety and health and the people that we work alongside, or the economy and the way it's impacted many jobs for those who work within our sphere of influence.
I'm grateful for you. I'm looking forward to praying together and just wanted to remind us all of the hope of resurrection that, in the midst of terrible things, God is there with us and he will guide us through.
With Resurrection Hope,
Joe Handley
Joe Handley, President
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
Related Reflections from the A3 Community
- Joe Handley: We're in this TOGETHER!
- Doug Birdsall (A3 Board member; former president): God has brought us through major disruptions before...
- Richard Brohier (A3 Faculty): We are confined; let's emerge wiser, healthier, stronger.
- Anonymous national leader: Finding perspective amidst coronavirus
- David Bennett (A3 Board Member): When God Leads Us by a Route We Do Not Expect
- Adrian De Visser (A2/Sri Lanka): Called to be salt and light to our nations
- Herman Moldez (A2/Philippines): Living Each Day At A Time
- Paul Ariga: Sacred hope in the midst of crisis
- A3 COVID-19 posts
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