FRAGMENTS FROM THE MASTER’S TABLE

DON’T PANIC!

No doubt, like most of you, I am shocked to witness what is happening all over the world. What are we to make of what’s going on concerning this virus that is supposedly sweeping our planet?
Within the last 48 hours the CEO of British Airways announced that thousands of BA staff will be laid off.
All aircraft will be grounded.
Other airlines are doing the same.
Italy and Spain have told everyone to stay at home.
Hand gel is no longer available.
People have been stock piling food.
Toilet paper is no longer on the shelves of most shops.
All those over the age of 70 are to ‘self-isolate’.
All travel must be curtailed.
All football matches and sporting fixtures are cancelled.
Motor racing and the Grand Prix is cancelled.
If you have a cough – stay at home for a minimum of 2 weeks.
No more shaking hands.
Schools are closing by the dozen!
Can you just imagine all those children staying at home, alone?!!!

Doctor’s surgery’s are closed, with medical help only available via the telephone.
I am exhausted even thinking about all of this!
Are we living in the last days?
As we know, the Scriptures do warn us of the last days and perhaps it is worth reminding ourselves what our Saviour has to say.
In Luke 21:7-11 we read: And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
We can all take great comfort in the words of advice coming from the lips of our Saviour, because He is telling the disciples NOT to be terrified. NOT to panic and NOT to let their hearts be afraid.
Be under no illusion – This guidance is applicable to us today as we observe what is going on!
In John 16:33 – Jesus says: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
In John 14:27 – we read: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Once again – what Jesus is saying is appropriate to our world today.
The way I read these Scriptures is that our Lord and Saviour has left us with PEACE, His PEACE – so why should we be afraid?
There was an interesting report tucked away in some newspaper, that the Government is pushing ahead with removing bank notes and coins from circulation, because they felt that money changing hands was one way of spreading the virus.
Who would have thought that?
What a way of bringing about a cashless society!
There is no doubt whatsoever that we are living in the last days and all the things happening around us is a warning that Jesus is soon to return, and no matter what is happening we need to seek the Lord’s will for our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our every step in life.
We must, as a matter of urgency – get the Gospel out to those who don’t know of the great Salvation He offers.
What else is there to do?
As one preacher said:
If you want a good day …. Then turn the TV off!!