I have always had a comfortable relationship with numbers. As a kid growing up I enjoyed math and learning arithmetic. I have always loved team sports, so until recently, I would check sports scores, statistics and standings on a daily basis. I would check the numbers from the stock markets and vital statistics from our church but I have never been obsessed or felt enslaved by these numbers. At Christmas my family gave me a Fitbit so I marvel at the ability to glance at health indicators such as heart rate, calories burned and number of steps taken.
All this has changed with the arrival of COVID-19. Today my relationship with numbers seems ominous and threatening. I feel overwhelmed every time I see that chart that shows the number of new cases and deaths because of COVID-19. Seeing the impact on the economy, and people’s personal livelihoods, is heartbreaking. To hear that 3,300,000 people in the United States filed for unemployment last week is overwhelming. And the numbers now forecast ignite a fatalism that challenges even an optimist like me. The current numbers make me depressed, downcast and sullen.
In such a time as this I start with the important reminder from Psalm 121:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Once I turn my attention back to the resourcefulness of God, I begin to regain a perspective of faith that is not focused on numbers but names; not focused on curses but blessings.
The fourth book of the Bible is named, ironically, Numbers. It is easy to assume that it is nothing more than lists and statistics, however it is an important re-telling of Israel’s wilderness struggles and God’s resourcefulness through it all. In Numbers you will find statistics that read like a census, but also there are stories, laws, travel itineraries, reports of military battles and instructions for worship. Most importantly there are listings of names reminding me that that our God is a God of relationship. We are not just a statistic in God’s eyes. We are the beloved children of God where when God counts, God “numbers the hairs on our head” (Luke 12:7).
Today I invite us to not get lost in the numbers, but take time to name names. We each know people who affected and vulnerable in the midst of this crisis. Pray for them by name and trust others are doing the same.
Pray for those you know personally or for someone whose story has impacted you.
Name a worker in the medical profession.
Name a first responder.
Name a government leader.
Name a civil servant.
Name a person who is not at home because they are doing an essential job.
Name a person who is forced to be at home alone
Name an educator who is teaching from home.
Name a student who is learning from home.
Name someone who has lost their job.
Name someone who is afraid of losing their job.
Name a person who is ill with COVID-19.
Name a person who suffering with some other medical condition.
When the numbers start to overwhelm you, pause and speak the name of someone you love. Remember that God calls and knows you by name.
We don’t quote scripture from the book of Numbers very often with one great exception. Numbers 6:22 offers a blessing that has been used throughout the centuries to remind us of God’s constant disposition towards his people.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
No matter what we may be facing, let us remember that God has not turned his back... God is always facing us.
With you on Grace Avenue,
Billy Echols-Richter
Pastor