Hello from Macau. We hope your Christmas season is off to a good start. In our Sunday morning Bible study on Christmas Day, we explored Matthew 20:1-16 - a vineyard parable. The landowner demonstrates generosity in giving the same wage no matter what time a person started work. We discussed the fairness, generosity, patient persistence of the landowner. One aspect of the parable we didn’t spend enough time on is the desire of the landowner for shalom. Shalom is a communal practice of peace and harmony. No one knows shalom until everyone knows shalom. The landowner paid everyone a living wage, one denarius. In this way, by grace, from last to first, shalom happened. Jesus Christ Prince of Peace, by grace, from last to first, is bringing shalom to our world. But until everyone knows shalom, do any of us really know shalom? That is why we pray, “Our Father in Heaven … give US … forgive US … lead US not …”
Thank you for praying with us:
Macau (all of China) continues to experience widespread illness from COVID. Over 25% of Macau health care providers are out sick. Shops are closed indefinitely due to staff being sick. Lord, have mercy.
Over half of the Macau Baptist Church staff members have been out sick this past week. Many members are sick or caring for sick family. The wife of one member has been hospitalized with pneumonia. She is in her early 30’s. Lord, have mercy.
The funeral for our friend’s mother was Monday night. A remembrance of a life lived for Jesus the Christ. May the family continue to know the comfort of the Lord. And may the Guest Worker employed by our friend’s mother find a good place to work.
At years end, may you know joy for next steps and confidence in God’s grace to light your path.
Maranatha!