April 6, 2023

What Will You Do With Bad News

DO “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel (Joshua 1:2).

There are few things in life that hits one as hard as the news that a loved one has died. It matters little if their passing was expected or sudden because the end result is the same: there is a hole in ones life that cannot be filled. What does one do?

The emergence of radio, television, satellites and instantaneous world communication makes our world a little smaller. Events can now be flashed instantaneously worldwide and the emotional impact immediate. The first national figure whose death was felt worldwide was President Franklin Roosevelt. He was the first President to use extensively use the media to “get the message out.” He regularly talked to the American People using radio; his talks became known as “fireside chats.” These “chats” not only helped calm an anxious nation, but some say it was as if Roosevelt was sitting in your living room having a friendly chat.

Consequently he became like family to many Americans. He was first elected President in 1932 and re-elected three times. He had steered the U.S. through some hard times; first it was the Great Depression, then Pearl Harbor, and WWII. His sudden death shortly before the end of WWII in April 1945, stunned the nation. The legendary newsman Edgar R. Murrow likened Roosevelt’s death to a “telegram from the War Department;” while popular newsman Arthur Godfrey wept on national radio as he described the funeral caisson passing by. As the new president Harry Truman passed by Godfrey said…”and now passes the car carrying the man whose shoulders now carry the heavy burden of office: God bless Harry S. Truman!” Upon hearing of Roosevelt’s death some people remarked now what do we do?

This past week saw the passing of venerated journalist and TV news anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight: Peter Jennings. He held no official world standing or position; yet he was known and liked worldwide. He had traveled the world interviewing world leaders and celebrities. He had sat in the anchor chair of ABC’s Evening News since 1983. Like Roosevelt, he had a soothing and calmness about him that people could sense. This became clear when the Challenger exploded in 1986 and again as the events on 9/11 unfolded; throughout the chaos and uncertainty of the following week, he spent over sixty-hours on the air. Many people believed it was his calm demeanor which helped them through this National Crisis. But now people are asking (especially at ABC) what do we do?

Moses was God’s person of the hour. He led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the Wilderness Wanderings for forty years. He was the only leader of an entire generation. Consider the special relationship Moses must have had with the people. What a shock it was when God told Joshua that…”Moses My servant is dead.” How do you think the nation reacted when Joshua announced it to the people? Their reaction was typical of most, shock: dismay: fear: anxiety: panic! Recall the words of Jesus when a great windstorm arose, and the waves came into the boat, and he was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. His disciples awoke Him and said…”Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Sounds to me like his disciples were near panic: does it to you? Jesus arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” and there was a great calm. He said to his disciples: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:36-41).

The disciples were obviously in fear for their life. But for his disciples Jesus would have slept through the entire ordeal. The significance of this story is regardless how bad events may appear, faith will carry the day! The disciples should have reassured themselves that everything would be alright instead of allowing fear and uncertainty grip them. Why? BECAUSE Jesus was with them in the boat!

God reassured Joshua that he would be with him as he was with Moses. This is evident when he told Joshua to…”arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.” God, hundreds of years before, made that promise to Abraham, confirmed it to Isaac, and established it in Jacob. Moses’ earthly journey had ended being decided by God and Joshua must carry on (see De. 32:46-52 & 34:1-8). Joshua knew what to do!

Throughout his ministry the apostle Paul’s endured many tribulation, anxiety, and hardships. These hardships would have proved too much for Paul to endure except for God’s Grace for God had spoken to Paul saying…”And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’” Paul found faith, power, and strength in the knowledge that God’s Grace was sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 & 12:9). Paul knew what to do!

Countless millions of people—as they endure trials, tribulations, persecutions and more—have discovered the following words of Jesus give them hope, comfort, strength, and faith when he said…”and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:20).” What will you do?

God’s Peace and Blessings.