Here are my random thoughts on that virus which has gripped the planet. Not that you asked. Don’t expect any deep wisdom from me either. These are just personal observations, and perhaps more than a little rambling.
First I want to comment on the secular aspect of this crisis. Pray for leaders of nations who have to make difficult decisions. I wouldn’t want this responsibility. It’s easy to attack decision makers. Hindsight is a marvelous thing…especially if available when most needed. Unfortunately it never is.
As far as America is concerned, pray for president Trump even if you don’t like him; even if you’re rightfully concerned about possible lasting infringements on freedom. I suspect there are people who will attack him regardless of what he does. Moreover, I’d wager that much of the media would be heralding these same decisions had they been formulated by the Obama administration. Of course that’s just my opinion.
In light of this, here’s a little story from my past…
As a teen I was temporarily employed by my dad’s boss. My job was to shovel soil from the front yard and transport it to the back…all day long. Because the days were hot, and I was unfit, my dad advised pacing myself, or I wouldn’t last. The problem was that one of the other senior workers derided me for being too slow. When I paced up, my dad would berate me for not listening to him. I couldn’t simultaneously please both men.
One reason I raise this is because, in the context of this virus, one of the first things I witnessed within the Christian sphere was bickering regarding church closures. Some criticized pastors for not suspending services, others for doing so. I saw more samplings of the latter.
Some invoked Heb 10:25 (out of context I think) and criticized people like John MacArthur for temporarily suspending gatherings. One prolific blogger accused MacArthur of bowing to Caesar! Does anyone seriously believe this? Notably, most of these critics aren’t pastors of large churches responsible for making informed, often difficult biblical decisions.
Then there’s this…
Some so-called Christian ministers (opportunists) jumped on social media selling stuff guaranteed to cure or prevent the virus. Others asserted that you will be protected if you send money. They call it tithing etc. Let me be blunt – they are snake-oil salespeople. Stay away from them.
Then there’s the prophecy community.
I saw chatter about this current virus having direct prophetic portent. It might do so. We’ll have to wait and see what God does. Some wonder whether we’re now experiencing the Seals of Revelation. What would the chatter among futuristic premils have been during the two world wars of last century? Let’s not jump the prophetic gun just yet.
A few individuals grabbed the opportunity to plug their brand of eschatology. I feel they are often plugging themselves instead. These are the heroic souls who don’t hold to the pretrib rapture. They think we might capitulate under pressure. So they work hard to eradicate the scourge of pretribulationism. No more needs to be said here.
Personally I’d like to thank all those pastors who quickly set about to tend God’s flock. We ought to remember that they too have burdens, worries and families to look after. Let’s not forget to pray for these faithful men.
Dr. Paul Henebury (Dr. Reluctant) wrote up a series of encouraging blog posts – and continues to do so. On the first (?) Lord’s Day of “social distancing” he graciously invited friends into his home (via Facebook) where they were treated to the singing of hymns with his wife and children. I really appreciated it. He then rushed off to preach to an empty building, having his sermon live-streamed.
John MacArthur also preached to empty seats. He said this was a minister’s nightmare. Yet he also offered words of wisdom and gospel perspective, during this crisis, for Christians HERE. I recommend listening to him, and more than once.
Also worth a look is a panel discussion with H. B. Charles, Sinclair Ferguson and Burk Parsons, called Pastoral Care in Times of Crisis. Thanks to Media Gratiae and Jeremy Walker for the A Word in Season series (among others) as well. For example, see When Overwhelmed (Psalm 61:1-2).
We (me especially) need to remind ourselves that God is always in control; that we are children of God, and that we have an eternal destiny of joy in intimate communion with Him.
Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are unfaithful to Thee. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge that I may tell of all Thy works. Psalm 73:25-28
…but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Cor 2:9
…and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. Rev 21:4
Maranatha
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