The Great Reset
Recently social media has been bombarded by a barrage of information on “the great socio-economic reset” that will come globally as a result of COVID-19. It has stirred up a lot of apprehension and some fear among believers who are conversant with ‘end-time’ prophesied events.
First, we should not be surprised or afraid when world events follow the course of Scripture and vindicate its accuracy. We must remember that there is a divine agenda that will be followed as we grow ever closer to the return of Christ. If we are ‘in Christ,’ there is no need for personal paranoia.
Second, we should understand the urgency of getting the Gospel message out to those who are not yet ‘in Christ.’ Before we were saved from our sin, salvation was about us – now that we are saved, it is about others. That is the mission of the Church of Jesus, delivered by our Lord Himself. It is also the most pressing mission of anyone who claims to be ‘in Christ.’
Third, we should spend much less energy fretting about the great global reset and much more time listening to the Spirit to discern what He is saying to the Church. Because, like it or not, the Church is facing a ‘reset’ as well. And it is a good thing! To put this into perspective, I will quote from Rev. David Wells, our General Superintendent who writes under the heading, In Times Like These – Returning to Fundamentals.
“This past season has been marked by words that speak of uncertainty and disruption: ‘lockdown,’ ‘cancellation,’ ‘pivot,’ ‘distancing,’ and ‘flattening the curve.’ While it has been a challenging time, with many of us experiencing everything from disruption to bereavement, it has also provided an opportunity for us to reawaken ourselves to principles and practices that are fundamental to being followers of Jesus.
As the COVID-19 lockdowns began, we rolled out a gift book, I had written entitled ‘If Jesus – Revisiting a Life Changing Question.’
Within it was noted the core qualities of Jesus life: intimacy with the Father, the companionship and empowerment of the Spirit, developing disciples, and pursuing the lost. Foundational to these qualities were two core practices: solitude and simplicity.
It struck me as timely, perhaps prophetic, that as the virus went global, we were reminded that Jesus’ life and ministry were built on the foundations of solitude and simplicity. As stated in ‘If Jesus’ – {Jesus lived a life of intimacy with the Father. Everything He did was done in the power of the Spirit. He stayed committed to His calling to make disciples. And His passionate pursuit of the lost never wavered. As I read the Gospel accounts, I see Jesus exercising two key spiritual disciplines [solitude and simplicity] that enabled Him to live this kind of life. Though these are not frequently referred to in sermons or in Christology classes, I believe it was these disciplines that allowed Him to maintain His priorities and stay focused and available throughout His life and ministry. Without these disciplines active in our lives it is highly unlikely we will succeed in spending our time, energy and money like Jesus would if He were physically living in our world today.}
This season we have been in has driven us back to fundamentals, ‘main things’ that provide a foundation to address the day-to-day realities of uncertain times.”
The Great Global Reset may be one of the catalytic moves towards the end of time, and I believe it is. However, that is not the ‘Reset’ that should overly concern us. Our minds and hearts, our attention and energy, should be directed to the ‘Reset’ the Spirit is bringing to the church.
The Global Reset will affect the social, political and economic future of the population of the world. But, this world is passing away. However, if we are willing to hear the Voice of the Spirit of God in these times, the Reset He is bringing to the Church (as articulated so capably by David Wells) will affect the eternal destiny of multitudes of people.
This can be our ‘finest hour.’
Al is an experienced pastor and counselor who works out of our ABNWT District Resource Centre in Edmonton as the Pastoral Care Coordinator. A pastor to the pastors, Al is a friend, mentor, and confidante to all.