January 23rd was the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This year, 2012, is denoted as the “Year of the Dragon,” considered by the Chinese as a most auspicious year in which to be born. In fact, there is an expected baby boom in the Asian countries to assure their offspring the good fortune of being born in such a year. By contrast, 2011 was the “Year of the Rabbit,” characterized by those who enjoy tranquility and value security.
This got me thinking. The church, yes, we Christians are living in a tremulous time. The very foundation of all that is familiar is being shaken. Crises can be devastating or can provide opportunities not envisioned as possible in more tranquil times. It is being suggested the church is entering the greatest age for evangelism and expansion in a millennium.
Memorial Baptist Church is on the cusp of just such a transformation. We did enjoy our security and tranquility but from our more recent crisis we have the grand opportunity, with God’s empowerment and leading, to enter our own “Year of the Dragon” – a time that will be characterized by goodness, greatness, and plentiful blessings.
“for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.”
II Timothy 1:7