Mexico Groans

Last night we went to a movie, and I was reminded once again how much the people of Mexico need the Lord – as we all do.

Of course, everyone is talking about COVID-19. When we purchased some water before the movie, the cashier pointed out that they had not one but two large bottles of anti-bacterial gel on the counter for our convenience.

We remember well the H1N1 pandemic back in 2009. For a while, meetings were greatly discouraged, and we started talking about the role of the church in times of crisis, and when and how that precious Sunday morning service should be cancelled. Of course, the bigger role that the church has played in times of major sickness in the past was to care for the sick, especially when the number of cases overwhelmed the current system.

Only a handful of cases have been confirmed in Mexico (not as many as in the rest of North America), but apparently face masks and hand sanitizer is already in short supply in our state!

Anyway, this isn’t a discussion of the virus (I bet you have opinions, right?), it’s just a discussion of the anxiety that people must have, people who have no hope in God.

Back to the movie theatre. Once the previews started – oh, I won’t get into those, but — no, I really won’t. But a special cartoon was played at one point, reminding kids that they have a superpower – they can say “NO!” to strangers.

Recently there was a high profile case of a seven year old girl who was kidnapped from her elementary school. She was apparently taken by someone she knew, and she was murdered. How many people are crying out to God? They certainly are angry at the school, and at the government. Once in a while there’s a shout at the murderer.

Another of the previews went through movie theatre security. I suppose if there’s an earthquake, a fire, a shooting – whatever there may be – we are to listen to those in charge and stay calm.

Three reminders in a few minutes (actually, more than three – but let’s keep this short!) that Mexico – is groaning.

In some ways, I don’t want to paint too bleak a picture. Most people here are carrying on with life as normal (though perhaps washing their hands a little more often!). But there must be a lot of anxiety and anger in those who have no hope of God’s justice, no hope of God’s care, no hope of God’s sovereignty.

So we provide hope, because God has given it to us to give away – the gospel.

Let’s just say we’re having meetings while we still can! Tonight we’re starting a new hermeneutics study (a study on how to read and understand Scripture). On Thursday we’re meeting with our team of missionaries. On Sunday we continue various studies, including our study of Daniel – which continues to speak to us of God’s sovereign control of our world.

And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Daniel 7:27