Daily Lesson for December 11, 2020

 Today's Daily Lesson comes from Acts chapter 27 verses 9 through 12:

9 Since much time had been lost and sailing was now dangerous, because even the Fast had already gone by, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I can see that the voyage will be with danger and much heavy loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 Since the harbor was not suitable for spending the winter, the majority was in favor of putting to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, where they could spend the winter.

We know we are headed for trouble this winter.

Europe is re-entering lockdowns and just today France announced that it will be instituting a curfew to be in effect even on New Year's Eve. But in America we are pressing on, and there is no question that that will come at an extraordinary cost of lives.

In recent days news of the virus striking the homes of congregants and friends has quickened dramatically. So too has the news of deaths of people I know. Without a change in course, this will only increase over the next month.

Yet, like the captain of the ship in today's Lesson, our nation's leaders still have us pressing forward. We have cowboys in town for the rodeo running around Cowtown completely unmasked. And they have bandanas! And churches are still advertising on my Facebook feed to "come and join" them this Christmas. It is folly! And soon this ship will run aground.

Friends, time is on our side. Vaccines are coming. There will be an end to all this. We see the first glimmer of light shining. But the sun isn't up yet. We still have some waiting to do. We have to hold out until the dawn fully arrives and it is safe.

So, beloved, be not afraid and not foolish. Be careful. Be cautious. Mask up, keep your distance, and do not take unnecessary risks. These are dangerous, dangerous waters we are crossing, and I want everybody I know and love to make it through.

NOTE: We are reading the whole Bible through this year. Over the weekend we will read some short epistles: Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, and Philippians.