POINTING THEM TO JESUS: Looking forward to an annus mirabilis!
For many of us, the year 2020 will go down as one of the most difficult in recent history - COVID-19, lockdowns, restricted gatherings, social unrest, closed borders, racial tension, political uncertainty, frustration, anxiety, fear, and anger. I think that pretty much covers it. Some may be tempted to use the term “annus horribilis” (horrible year) as Queen Elizabeth II did back on November 24, 1992.
In a speech at Guildhall in London, the Queen, reflecting on the events of that year which included the marital breakdown of three of her children, the suicide of a nephew, the publication of Princess Diana’s tell-all book describing her marital woes and Prince Charles’ affairs. There was also the publication of unflattering photos of members of the royal family, and finally a devastating fire at Windsor Castle, one of her royal residences.
The Queen said, “1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents it has turned out to be an “annus horribilis”. I suspect that I am not alone in thinking it so.”
Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter wrote to believers who were also experiencing an annus horribilis. “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
I have chosen the theme of my blog for this year to be “Pointing them to Jesus”. It is all too easy for us to focus on the difficulties and trials we face. Difficulties often rob us of seeing the true purpose of testing, as Peter wrote, and shifts our attention from our calling and the truth of God’s sovereignty in our lives.
As we begin 2021, let us covenant together to see all that is happening around us and all that will happen as part of God’s sovereign plan for each one of us. We will still experience all that it is to be human, including joy, happiness, sadness, trials, and discouragement. Yet this is not what defines who we are, or even what our purpose is in being here. As Peter wrote to those early Christians – rejoice! How do we rejoice amid trials and difficulty? We do that by focusing on something or someone bigger … God, who He is and what He has called us to be! We have been called to be living witnesses to a lost world, bringing hope through the Gospel to those with no hope and comfort to those who know Him.
Others will see Jesus in us in the way we respond not only to the good in our lives, but sometimes more through the way we respond to and handle adversity, discouragement, and pain. This is the way we point them to Jesus. Sharing the Gospel involves much more than using words, it begins with us rejoicing in all things, even the difficulties.
As we begin anew this year let us lay aside the difficulties of 2020 and look for those opportunities to point others to Jesus. Unlike Queen Elizabeth, may this new year be an “annus mirabilis” – a wonderful year, an amazing year of using the opportunities we have before us to point others to Jesus. Let us share hope with those who are suffering and in need, and be the Body of Christ, encouraging one another, and building one another up.
Looking forward to 2021, an annus mirabilis!
Rev. Bill Allan
AGC President