023 Quick Update During Odd Times

Josh throws together a quick update on what's happening with the lockdown in Washington state, and also talks a bit about definitions. What is a vulnerable person? Who defines what it means to be human? Here is the short post Josh wrote regarding the vulnerable: A short, quickly written observation. So forgive any incomplete arguments and bear with me! And if clarification is needed I’d be happy to address. As I was sipping my coffee this morning, thinking about the current state of society amid this whole panic over a virus, I decided I would write something that has been on my mind for the last few days regarding the “vulnerable” (not “scare” quotes, just labeling as a label). I keep thinking about the inconsistency of politicians, news sources, and individuals who support the murder of unborn children and then claim to care about the “vulnerable” among us. What I have been thinking is how they are being allowed to define “vulnerable” based on something other than how I would define it. Those who rebel against God by supporting the murder of babies get around that charge by redifining what a baby is. They redefine what it means to be a human being. They get to choose when that baby becomes a person. And so, those among us who are truly vulnerable, those who are grey with wisdom, those who have underlying health issues, and babies; are all at risk of someday losing the “vulnerable” label when those who define what it means to be a human decide to define the vulnerable right out of society. God defines what it means to be human. Male and female He created them, after His image and very good. All who bear His image are human beings, and because we bear His image are worthy of being treated with respect by one another. Jesus Christ, God incarnate, gives us the supreme example of protecting the vulnerable. All humans face certain death, we all share in this ultimate vulnerability. Not only that but we should all face the terrible judgment of God for our rebellion against Him. But Jesus came to bear the curse for His people, and death now has lost its sting for those who believe that Jesus came, died, and rose again to bring resurrection life! As we weather a storm that may or may not be all media hype and social media fueled panic (why a run on TP?), be encouraged that you face certain death. Be encouraged because death is the most fearful thing we face and there is an answer to its sting, the work of Jesus the Christ. And treat the vulnerable well knowing we are bearing the image of God who treated His people with amazing grace in Christ. And when people throw out these terms let’s think about what they mean by them. Maybe that will present an opening to talk about Jesus with them, who knows?