Reflections (As for the donkeys...)

You may need to do some extra credit reading today.  I Samuel 8 and 9 introduces us to the story of the first king of Israel. 
There was a man named Kish.  He lost his donkeys.  He told his son, Saul, to take a servant and go find them.  Off they went.  They couldn't find the donkeys but they did stumble across a young woman who directed them to a man of God.  That would be Samuel.
While this was taking place God has spoken to Samuel and got him ready for the "king" thing that was coming about.  Saul and Samuel meet.  Samuel plants the seed for God's plan.  Then, recognizing what began the process says, "As for your donkeys...they have been found."
At that point they moved on to the new thing God was initiating in Israel.
As for the donkeys.
As for coronavirus.
As for outbreaks.
As for pandemics.
What we see as threats, dangers, destruction, and death, God sees through, to opportunity.
What we see as a threat God enters into and creates opportunity ... for God's plans and purposes to be more fully discovered.
As for the donkeys.
In Israel's story the introduction of Saul served to lead the way to David (There is a lot more to the story.  It might take a good part of the afternoon to read it all.)  The introduction of David paved a road that would eventually lead to Jesus.  The revelation of Jesus leads to the ever present reality of the Holy Spirit (God is with us still).  The on-going presence of the Holy Spirit brings new possibilities, hopes and purpose for God's people.
As for the donkeys.
We engage new work.
We have no ideas.
We make new plans.
We move into our current reality.
God sees beyond our work, ideas, plans and realities. 
As for the donkeys.
As for coronavirus.
As for Covid-19
As for economies.
As for sickness.
God brings us into His preferred future! (vision).
Will we allow ourselves to be consumed by the threats or will we embrace God and become open to new possibilities?
As for the donkeys.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve