We need to focus on God right now, more than ever
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from Luke’s Journal 2020 | Breath of Life | Vol.25 No.2
Breath Of Life
This is the second edition of Luke’s Journal for 2020.
The topic, Breath of Life could not be more timely.
Since 1 January 2020, the world has been fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A respiratory illness spread by close contact, airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces, that causes a variety of symptoms and signs, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, pneumonia and death.
Originally identified in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019, this novel virus spread unexpectedly and speedily. On 1 March 2020, Australia had 30 reported cases and 1 death. By 10 March 2020, Australia had 100 confirmed cases and 3 deaths. Three days later, on 13 March 2020, Australia had 200 confirmed cases. Two weeks later, Australia had over 2000 confirmed cases including the famous Tom Hanks and Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton. As I write, there are significant outbreaks reported in South Korea, Italy, Iran, UK, USA and in over 190 other countries. Human-to-human transmissions are a reality; and the death counts are continuously increasing, including many lives of those who died saving others.
Border closures, school and business closures, cancellation of large events and panic buying are increasing. Toilet paper was hijacked off a delivery van in Hong Kong, Australian police had to intervene between shoppers fighting for toilet rolls, and others are trying to make money selling this precious commodity at unrealistic mark-ups to discombobulated others. Rice, pasta, canned foods and cleaning agents are flying off shelves. Masks and gloves are in a severe shortage globally, posing unprecedented threats to those working on the frontline and many others. Dr Peter Wark’s article, Calm and Compassion amidst the Coronavirus draws upon insights gained from history, and discusses how we can do better together, as members of humanity. Dr Bo Wong highlights the parallel pandemic of panic that has proved to be increasingly more destructive than the coronavirus pandemic itself.
These are, indeed, unsettling times…
We need to focus on God right now, more than ever before. As we face our limitations and asininity, we are reminded of our limitless Almighty God and His perfect love for us. Dr Sam Chan’s reflection, Breath of life – God’s Spirit: Can we ever be more than the sum of our diseased body parts? and Dr Rhys Morgan’s Exploring the breath of life through Genesis, Ezekiel and Acts are sure to draw you nearer to God.
“The busyness and chaos of the world in which we live, can disillusion us to think we don’t have time for God’s Words every day.”
The busyness and chaos of the world in which we live, can disillusion us to think we don’t have time for God’s word every day. Quite the opposite, we are too busy not to make time for God’s word and moments with God. I’m particularly reminded of 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (NIV) “All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped in every good work.” And Job 33: 4 (NIV) “The Spirit of God has made me. And, the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
May the heartfelt writing of the many contributing authors in this Breath of Life issue draw you nearer to God and His Words; and encourage you to share God’s Awesomeness with others. Yes, glory be to God!
Dr Annetta Tsang
Dr Annetta Tsang is a member of the Luke’s Journal editorial team. She works as a paediatric dentist on the Gold Coast. She is involved in teaching Sunday School and coordinating the young families’ fellowship at her church. Annetta loves spending time with her family as well as drawing, reading, writing, singing, eating desserts, drinking coffee and learning.
