"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua had just become the leader of the nation of Israel. Moses was dead. Aaron was dead. Miriam had died. The wilderness kids--those Israelites who grew up in the wilderness wanderings--were about to cross over the Jordan into the land which God had promised. 

Into a land which their parents refused to enter as a result of their fear and lack of faith. They were afraid, they didn't believe that their God was strong enough, and so they rebelled. They pushed back against Moses and Aaron's leadership, and God prevented that generation from entering the Promised Land.

Now, 40 years later, their children were on the cusp of entering the land which God had promised them. Into the unknown, and into a journey of uncertainty. God himself told Joshua, throughout the process of entering the land, "As I was with Moses, I will be with you."

Joshua led Israel mightily with God's blessing. Courageously leading His people. God was with Him.

This is the same promise God has given to us as a part of those He has called. 

In Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah was inspired to record the following: "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

God's power and strength upholds His people, at that time - the statement was specific to the people of Israel and Judah, but it is a promise given to His people, the ecclesia, those who have been called out, not to be dismayed, not to fear, for God is our God.

As the world around us reels from the effects of COVID-19, and there are uncertainties regarding what the future will hold, with cancellations and social distancing orders preventing people from gathering together, it can be frightening and cause anxiety and concern, medically, economically, and societally. 

We must never forget that the God whom we serve is greater than the issues that we face and the complications that they cause. That does not mean that we become reckless, or take unnecessary risk, and it does not mean that we should respond in fear or anxiety, but that we should approach this with a trust and faith in God which enables us to confront it and the issues it causes without fear, and without worry. 

God is on the throne. The things that we are seeing and hearing at this time in the world around us are things that He is aware of, that He is monitoring and has allowed as a part of His plan. Satan knows his time is short, and as the god of this world, has been working overtime to ensure that there is chaos and disruption. This time he was able to prevent the meeting together of God's people during the Spring Holy Day season. 

It is difficult to know that we will be unable to be together for Passover and the Spring Holy Days, but it brings to bear the first Passover that God instructed Israel to keep in Egypt. That night God told the Israelites to remain in their homes, not to come out so the plague would not touch them - and those with the blood of the lamb on their doorposts and lintel would be spared. This year it will be similar - we will keep the Passover in our own homes, with our families, not venturing out of our homes, looking again to the Lamb of God for our salvation.

But it is important to recognize in all of this... Satan doesn't win. We WILL be keeping the Passover. We WILL be keeping the Days of Unleavened Bread. He may have succeeded in preventing the in-person gathering of these days, but he cannot and WILL NOT prevent the spiritual communion we will have on the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread, with God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Brethren - don't lose heart. Remain vigilant in your preparation for the Passover, prepare accordingly to take of the Passover this year and dedicate yourself more strongly to God, strengthening that relationship over the coming year. Leaning into Him for your protection and guidance, and bringing yourself under the power of that mighty right hand. Time is short, the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Gospel!

Be there for each other, strengthen and encourage each other, edifying the body. Love one another and care for one another as you're able. Check in on each other and think about the wonderful opportunities we will have to gather together and how special it will be when all this passes.

With regards to Sabbath services tomorrow, there are a number of webcasts available. We will begin webcasting locally on the Sabbath of March 28th.

Home Office (11:30 AM) - www.ucg.org/webcast
Portland (1:00 PM) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdiwfMQ-gjXozguTIupM4tg
Tacoma (2:00 PM) - https://www.ucg.org/congregations/tacoma-wa/webcast  – Password: treeoflife
Seattle (2:00 PM) - http://www.ucg-seattle.org/index.pl?media/webcast.html

I wish you all a peaceful Sabbath, resting in the promises of our Great God and His immeasurable care.

With Love,
Ben