Finitude
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Charles V. Gerkin, Professor of Pastoral Theology defines a crisis experience as follows:
“An extreme or boundary situation in which the fundamental contradiction between human aspirations and finite possibilities becomes visible in such a way as to demand attention.”
Simply put, Gerkin is saying that the limits man has in fulfilling his aspirations is brought into sharp focus when there is crisis. In other words, man is more vulnerable than he thinks, but does not notice it until crisis hits. We always have a false sense of being in control, but Covid-19 tells us we are not as much in control as we think.
Gerkin believes that these moments of crisis offer a possibility of greater vulnerability, that we begin to trust in the power and care of God more when we are faced with the unknown. According to Gerkin, crisis moments mysteriously make Jesus come alive as the Christ.
This reminds me of the various people with varied beliefs that start shouting, “Jesus! Jesus!” when an accident is about to happen.
Another observation Gerkin made is that those who trust in God, handle crisis far better because they believe a supreme power is in charge, has their welfare at heart, and knows what is happening. This is very comforting.
The finite possibilities of man (his limited capabilities), makes man vulnerable all the time.
Those who recognize this finitude, and the resultant vulnerabilities, commit themselves to the infinite God. They have more peace, even in the face of crisis.
The Psalmist recognized this clearly when he wrote:
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
(Psalm 139:16)
The solutions to the vulnerabilities we face as a result of our finitude lies in putting our trust in the capacity, promises, mercy and love of the infinite one.
Only one exists, and He is God almighty.
MEMORY VERSE
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
(Psalm 139:16)
QUESTIONS
- Have you been surprised by world events lately?
- Do you know they don’t surprise God because He knows everything?
PRAYER TIP
Infinite Father, please help our finite weaknesses.
CREDITS
Charles Gerkin, “Crisis Experience in Modern Life: Theory and Theology for Pastoral Care,“ (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1979,1983)
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer”
for guidance if you want
to make that decision.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
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We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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