Prayer To Spread The Gospel as Effectively As Even The New Strain of The Covid-19 Virus

New Virus Strain

Shortly before Christmas there was a rush to shut down travel from Great Britain because of a new strain of the covid-19 virus that had been documented there which was seemingly about 50% more contagious. 

Well, since it had been around Britain since September, it’s not surprising that it was a bit late to try to close borders against it in these recent days.  Sadly, we’ve had several cases here in Canada also be identified, including one close to home here on Vancouver Island.  Probably by the time this video is posted there will be reports of cases in other places as well.

We live in a global community.  We think this covid-19 virus probably started to transmit from a simple fish market in WuHan China, and look at the impact around the world for millions and millions of people.

It got me thinking again today about a comment someone made years ago that struck me.  I don’t have the exact quote but the question related to asking us to reflect on how we would act and make choices if we realized that what we do has impact down to 100 generations.

I can’t look back that many generations in my own family but I know the impact for good – and sometimes for not so good as well, of course – of at least a few generations.  Recently our family put together a little collection of family memories for our mom as she struggled with covid-19 and quarantine in the middle of her blindness.  As I watched and listened to the stories from my siblings and one generation following, I was touched by the impact of my own mother’s life on the generations following her.  What a blessing and source of joy she is and will continue to be.  Her prayers will have impact for many generations yet to come.

Every rainbow we see in the sky is God’s covenant renewed to our generation of His faithful love and protection:

Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.  Genesis 9:12-13

When God called a people to Himself and gave them 10 commandments he also told them:

I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.  Exodus 20:6

God always had a plan for all people of all generations through one man, Jesus Christ: 

As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 3:4-6

When His conception and birth were announced to Mary her response spoke of the impact of all this for all generations – and it certainly has been true up until now:

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.  Luke 1:47-49

I don’t know what God’s plan is for you and I but I do know that we do have influence in God’s plan in the lives of others.  Let’s pray today to be those who leave a legacy of God’s grace and truth for generations to come.

Heavenly Father, we can’t know what’s going to happen a few  generations down the line let alone a thousand but we do pray today that we will be those who take care of what’s before us today and with faithfulness to You and to Your plan to bless others, to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation. Joel 1:3

Help us to be faithful to share the good news of the gospel with one more person one more time so the story is passed down from generation to generation of Your faithful love and goodness.  Help us to act with faithful love and compassions because we know that our actions are often remembered long after anything we try to teach any other way.

Lord today we want to take your commission to the next generations as the prophet Isaiah described it:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.

He has sent me to tell those who mourn     that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.  Isaiah 61:1-3