As we gather for worship for the first time in 2020 we do so knowing that a New Year is often greeted with an expectation of change – hence the many resolutions and predictions. Though even in the making of such there is an air of uncertainty, there is an expectation of change? Change is often marked by suddenness, exposes our limited ability, and causes great stress and anxiety.
Yet Mark Loughridge identifies 10 Certainties grounded in the Gospel for 2020:
1. God’s word will still be surprisingly relevant to people’s lives; sadly many will continue to ignore it.
2. Humanity will not be wiped out by meteor collision, nuclear holocaust, hypersonic missiles, climate change or anything else. The end of the world will only come with the return of Jesus Christ (not necessarily in 2020).
3. Christianity will not die out – the good news of the gospel will still be proclaimed across the world, and accepted by many.
4. Difficulties will come on personal, national and international fronts, and the wise will see them as wake-up calls from God.
5. No-one will find that they are too bad for forgiveness from Jesus, although many will think that they are too good to need it.
6. Pride will still lie at the root of every interpersonal, and international problem – and the solution will still be found in placing ourselves in a right perspective before God.
7. The perpetual search for significance and identity will continue, and fail – yet true and lasting significance, purpose and identity will still be found in the eternal Jesus.
8. A fresh start and new strength will be available from Jesus, no matter what mess you’ve made of your life.
9. People will bemoan a loss of values; yet continue to deny the foundations such values are based on.
10. There will continue to be a famine of hope and shattered dreams in this world – yet Jesus will continue to offer hope, forgiveness, acceptance, love and a future beyond our wildest dreams.
May you have the peace and confidence that comes from trusting in God’s wise and loving sovereignty. (Pastor John)