If I’ve seen one 2020 meme, I’ve seen a hundred. Each one of them tries to communicate in picture just how bad this year has been. Then I see frequent statements saying, “2020 can’t end fast enough,” as though a simple change in the calendar will make all things right. What is our greatest comfort in times like these? It’s certainly not that 2020 has to end, or that 2021 is guaranteed to be better. Nor is our comfort in people, whose best moments of reliability are like the grass which withers and fades. Any dependence we place on people or their promises is destined to fail us, because humans inevitably fail. Instead, our comfort must be in the Word of our God. Only the promises of God’s Word can provide any stability for us in times like these. Whether we are in an economic boom or a recession, God’s Word endures. It stands through relative health and global pandemics. It cannot be repealed by political upheaval or political stability. But my problem is that I fail to look at God’s promises and His Word first or even consistently in difficult days. I confess that I have frequently hoped in loosening mandates, promised vaccines, and potential societal peace. I have failed to remember the promises of God’s sovereign control over each and every one of these situations and my own life. I have forgotten the promises of God that He will use these things to produce patience in me (James 1:2-4) and conform me to Christ (Rom. 8:28-29). And I’ve neglected the truths that He will never leave nor forsake me (Heb. 13:5-6). Perhaps worst of all, I’ve dismissed the promise of His coming (Isa. 40:10). Let me encourage you with these truths, because they are all truths recorded in God’s Word. If 2020 gets better or finishes as it has been, or if 2021 does little to improve our situation, God and His Word will never pass away. He endures forever, and His faithfulness to every generation. His Word is true. It cannot let us down. Be comforted, my people! – Pastor Rory Martin
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Pastor Rory–Taking Up Arms, 2
10AM: Pastor Nate–Isaiah 40:1-11–The God of All Comfort (sermon notes)
6PM: Christmas Vespers
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