Thursday, April 2, 2020

EmmDev 2020-04-02 [Perspective: God, Faith and Covid19] Dislocation Guaranteed


Dislocation Guaranteed

Today I conducted a funeral in a newly planted congregation I am looking after. The rules of our South African lockdown meant that usual cultural burial customs couldn't be observed: nightly prayer vigils couldn't be held, the body couldn't go to the house the night before, there couldn't be more than 50 people present and there couldn't be refreshments afterwards.

The lady, who had passed away after a long fight with cancer, was much beloved by her family and community and I could sense the loss, but also the profound sense of dislocation when the familiar rituals of grief and parting had to be adapted for our new circumstances.

I reflected on this as I was driving home. This is the first of many changes coming our way in the wake of this pandemic... Gatherings, handshakes, travelling, the economy, the level of neglect we've tolerated for the poor and many other things are going to be changed during and after our battle with this virus.

The first and obvious thought is "Well thank goodness God doesn't change!"
And this is absolutely true and wonderfully comforting.
But there is the other side of the coin...

Change and dislocation will be a reality for many who follow Christ.

Put on your film-director's cap and picture the scene with me:
- Jesus has risen from the dead.
- He's helped the disciples catch another load of fish.
- They've had grilled fish on the beach.
- He invites Peter to take a walk on the beach.
- Peter is able to make a three-fold declaration of his loyalty.
(Cue the violins and sunset pastels)
Because surely this is the happy ending?

(Pause, rewind, and cue the mysterious edgy music and storm-clouds on the horizon.) But Jesus doesn't promise Peter moonshine and roses. He promises Peter not only discomfort and danger, but severe dislocation and the reality of things being the opposite of what he would have liked.

It's a very graphic picture: being dressed and led where he did not want to go. It's a picture of change and the loss of "normality." Jesus warned Peter that it would come. And for us as Christians world-wide it has come.

The comforting news is that Jesus knows about it.
He too has been where He didn't want to go.
But He chose to go to arrest, trial, crucifixion and death.
This is what Easter is about. 


For Christ-followers dislocation should not surprise or shock us.
It was promised to Peter and comes to us.
But the One who warned us it was coming will also be there to help us.

We only have to ask.

I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
      (John21:18-19)