I Was Told There Would Be No Math

I was a math major in college…for a while…until I took linear algebra.  What is linear algebra?  I don’t remember.  So, I looked it up on the internet and found this definition listed first and second; “Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics concerning linear equations such as. linear functions such as. and their representations in vector spaces and through matrices (Yes, “such as” is stated twice, and that random periods look like they are supposed to be there.)   I didn’t get it then, and I certainly don’t get it now.

Linear algebra was my last mathematics class, and it steered me toward a vocation like ministry where it is my understanding that there will be no more math!

Maybe you are trying to avoid math too.  

But math is making a big comeback during this coronavirus mess.  Everywhere you turn there are graphs, percentages, and statistics and lines—is THAT linear algebra?  Experts are trying to predict rates and spikes and curves and futures and lines.  They don’t seem to be doing much better than I did in my linear algebra class.

I’m a bit baffled by all of this math stuff, and you may be puzzled too.  But I found a quote from Jesus that contains all the math we need to know.  It is found in both Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts:

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7 (NIV)

Jesus was speaking to a large crowd, and the people were consumed with worry.  They weren’t sure where their next meal was coming from, they didn’t know if their clothes would last, they were arguing about who got what.  Their mindset was dominated by fear.   

So Jesus started talking about numbers, the numbers of hairs on your head.   

This wasn’t algebra.  It was Jesus simply stating that God is in control.  He knows what’s up, he knows how many hairs you have, he knows the rates, spikes, curves, lines and even futures.  He not only gets Linear Algebra, he invented it.

We don’t have to get glassy-eyed looking at all the numbers.  Actually, we can relax, and trust that no matter what the numbers are and where the numbers go our God cares for us and he will take care of us.

 Let’s stop worrying about math, and keep trusting in Jesus.