Jesus Is Exempt from Social Distancing

March 18, 2020

By Jeff Page, Director of Young Adults Ministry

24“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:24–28)

Jesus is not confined to Ko‘olau or The Vine. You are surrounded by God. Be at peace for the Lord of heaven and earth fills your home. At this moment His Presence with you sustains your very life and being. Each heartbeat and breath are evidence of His nearness. 

Social distancing is hard for me. I am a hugger, and it hurts to separate from the people I love. I feel their absence, and to greet someone without a hug or a handshake from at least six feet away feels wrong. Nevertheless, to truly love our neighbors in this season, we must hold back. In a time when we must distance ourselves physically from one another, the nearness of God is a profound blessing. Whether you sense it or not, the Holy Spirit fills whatever room you find yourself in. God is everywhere, giving life to all, but at the same time He rarely intrudes. There are times and spaces that He waits to be invited into. At this moment in history, space has opened up in many of our lives. God’s desire is for us to seek Him, to reach out and find Him, for He is not far from any one of us. 

Spend a few moments in silence welcoming the Presence of God who is with you. Invite Him into the space that COVID-19 has opened in your life. Invite Him to fill the distance others have lovingly left empty. 

Prayer: Our Father, the coronavirus is no surprise to You. You have not left us alone. You give life and breath and everything else, but your best gift is your Presence. Lord we both need and desire you here with us. Come Holy Spirit, Amen.