It is indeed a blessing to say “HAPPY NEW YEAR” to all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

     The ancient Greeks had among their many gods one named Janus, who was said to have had two faces, one on either side of his head. One faced back, referencing a look to the past while the other faced forward, looking to the future. This has historically been our cultural mindset when we come to a new year. We assess the recently passed year after which we cast a hopeful gaze into prospects of the new year.

 

     But I submit that this disposition is inadequate for someone who has been translated by the New Birth into an eternal perspective. This means that we are no longer fixated by either the past or the future, but rather we see things through the lens provided by the Word of God. Our focus is not on the times as much as it is centered on Him. 

 

     To that end consider the sixth verse of chapter twenty-four of St. Matthew’s Gospel. “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.'’ The Lord refers to what would describe the prophetic events of the day. Certainly, this includes the events that led up to then, with a view to what He said shall come to pass (there is more of the same kind of evil to come). I submit that this description fits today’s social and political landscape world wide. The year of 2024 has been a year full global upheaval and disturbance. Indeed we have witnessed mass deception, a world wide pandemic (plagues), famines, pestilences (animal and insect borne viral diseases), climate change instability and wars and the threat of more wars. Looking at our past history leaves little optimism for our societal future. But notice our Lord’s admonition in verse six. “And see that ye be not troubled.” This word of direction and consolation says to us that no matter what has happened or who thinks themselves to be in charge, “see that ye be not troubled.” We might translate that into our modern speech to say, “don’t worry about it.” Sure these things are happening. In fact, they MUST HAPPEN. Nevertheless, don’t let it bother you. Then He tells us why, “The end is not yet.”

 

     Brothers and Sisters, we stand at the doorstep of the Lord’s Return. Just because the calendar changes and a new political administration takes office, and there is little certainty about what comes next, the Lord says, “Don’t Worry about it.” You see it’s all a matter of perspective. Or as Isaiah the prophet intimated, whose report will you believe? Our answer should always be, I will believe the report of the Lord. Happy New Year!

 

Maranatha,

Bishop Wells