First Christian Church | Pittsfield

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Essential One

04.21.20 | Michael's Corner | by Michael Ten Eyck

    “Essential” seems to be the buzz word these days: essential services, essential workers, essential supplies.  Everyone is asking who and what we consider essential at this time? There are similar questions that should be in our spirits right now, though.  Who is essential to me? Who has the essential seat of my heart?

    Some of the media is distracting and telling us that fear and stress should be essential.  We should fret, we should panic, and we should expect the world to spin out of control according to them.  But, God gives us a different command.  

    We see a similar situation in Luke 24.  Some of the disciples were so consumed with the current situation - the death of Jesus -  that they missed the “essential” one when he appeared. They missed Jesus. He approached them.  He spoke with them. He asked them questions, but they were so downcast that they didn’t even recognize him in their midst.  

    Luke 24: 13-17
    13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 

    These disciples were so concerned with their sadness that they missed Jesus.  Are we missing Jesus right now, too?  

    It’s understandable to be down, concerned, and cautious at the moment.  The world is a very different place than it was before this virus hit. However, God is not different.  His presence is still very much with us. He is still drawing near, even as we walk down the road, discussing our difficulties, just like the disciples did that day.  

    So, don’t miss Him!  Don’t focus more on our current situation than on Him.  Don’t let your downcast eyes keep you from recognizing Him.  He’s here. Our “essential” is Jesus, and he’s walking right beside us. 

    Loving you all,

    Michael