Such A Time As This
Written by Ps Zheng Haoren
“Blessed to be a Blessing” is a tagline associated with the late Canadian missionary, teacher, and author Don Richardson. He frequently referred to Genesis 12:1-3 and lectured on the concept of top-line and bottom-line blessings.
In the top-line, we receive God’s blessings. It is not limited to ourselves but encompasses our circles of influence such as our families, friends, and people of same culture, traditions, and language. In the bottom-line, we give and share God’s blessings with people cross-culturally. This involves going beyond our circles to reach out to people who are generally different from us culturally, traditionally, and linguistically.
God’s people in Singapore have been richly showered with top-line blessings. The Lord has entrusted us with much and we are well-placed to discharge bottom-line blessings. With access to global networks and with relevant skills and knowledge, the Singapore church as a whole has been a blessing to many communities around the world. Even so, perhaps God has in store for us a special purpose during this season of Covid-19.
A great trial is looming ahead of us. Who would have imagined the worldwide devastating impact of Covid-19? Did you anticipate it becoming a global pandemic when news of the coronavirus disease began surfacing in December 2019? Most were ignorant, thinking it would pass as did the SARs and bird flu episodes. It is not to be.
The control of Covid-19 is not within sight. But what we are certainly seeing is the decline of economies around the region and the world. Singapore is not spared. Our national reserves are not bottomless. Comparatively, we are surviving better as a nation for now. This is surely by the grace of God. So, do we hoard or do we give and share? What is God saying to us?
“… Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) reinforces the teaching on top-line and bottom-line blessings.
We give as the Lord has given us, for He has blessed us abundantly and placed us where we are able to serve local and foreign communities in such a time as this. And as we do so in prayerful dependence and faithful stewardship, God is honoured. May our Heavenly Father guide us!
