As if you have not heard enough of it! . . .
A few days ago, I telephoned my financial advisor to discuss the current economic situation. I opened the conversation with the words, ‘Christians don’t panic; unbelievers do!’. He replied “Amen”. Of course, he is a fellow Christian.
The media is full of nothing else at the moment. It dominates news, and it monopolises the government’s agenda. Other important matters such as the war and humanitarian situation in Northern Syria and Yemen have vanished from the news. Politics circles around the crisis. Here in Britain we have a lot to thank God for: there is a national health service, which for all its shortcomings is geared for emergencies like this. In the USA, the situation could be a lot different. Many poor people do not have health insurance and run the risk of infecting others when trying to work when ill. We are told to pray for the authorities and be subject to them (Romans 13).
As we are in our 70s, we are having to curtail our activities – ‘social isolation’ they call it. We will miss our Christian meetings much. It brings home how much we rely on meetings, and how little we rely on our individual links with the Lord. In our pathway we are alone yet not alone.
Indeed, many churches are closing their doors. What do Christians do? – At the start we read ‘And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved’ (Acts 2:43-47). Maybe something of the simplicity of the early Christian church will return.
Andrea Williams – The Church must repent of being ‘just another club’
Barrister Andrea Minichiello Williams, co-founder of Christian Concern, who represents persecuted Christians legally, has some forthright words. Maybe the current crisis will cause people to put Christ as the centre – not the congregation or community – and then learn what His church here really is. Read her full article:
Andrea Williams calls the Church to repent of its silence in the face of evil
An Independent Path?
This brings me to another subject. Some believers look on those with whom they do not meet as being on an independent path. There is only one path for a Christian, the Christian path. If by putting the company first we view others as ‘independent’, we must be unintentionally trying to walk on two roughly parallel paths at the same time – one foot in each. They must slowly diverge – then where will we be?
‘The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day’. (Proverbs 4:18)
Through waves, through Clouds and Storms
This morning I had an email from our brother Leonard in Secunderabad, India. He drew attention to Paul Gerhardt’s hymn ‘Through Clouds through Waves and Storms’ or ‘Through waves through clouds and storms’
I have posted it on the site, along with Leonard’s comments:
Through waves through clouds and storms
In grace, your brother
Sosthenes
March 2020
Brother Gordon in Lincolnshire writes:
The Psalm that comes into my mind is psalm 91 particular versse 5/6 which includes “the pestilence that walketh in darkness”. We cannot see the pestilence, though we can see the plague that it brings.
Christian greetings ,
Brother Crawford in Northern Ireland writes:
What are your thoughts on how to remember the Lord when we cannot leave home to meet with others?
When it comes to it we realise that meetings are a privilege. We have it easy – what about our dear brethren in North Korea? What about those who are ill? The Lord takes more pleasure in our attachment to Him. Do you agree?
Sister Margarita in Florida Writes:
Dear Brother in Christ,
Thank you for your recent email on the above subject.
I especially like the part where you said that perhaps this event/crisis
or this Season will put Christ back into center and not congregation/
community/social club.
This is going to test our personal relationship with Christ.
I think the Lord Jesus is very displeased with this world and even with
Christians.
I have been contemplating this week on the word Corona Virus:
Corona is the Spanish word for “crown” and I understand that this
virus consists of pathogens that exhibit spikes that resembles the
angles of a crown. This description of the virus made me think
about the crown of thorns that was placed on the head of our Lord
Jesus Christ for his crucifixion. From there flowed blood and love
mingled down to cleanse us from all sin.
What do you think about this?
I have compiled a list of Scripture references relating to some of the
recommendations given by the WHO
For example: wash your hands frequently. In James Epistle 4:8 he
tells us to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you; cleanse your
hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts…” James 4:10 ESV
Another one: “Stay at home”; “Every man to his tent” I Samuel 4:10 JND
No more hand shakes; “A time to refrain from embracing” ECC 3:5
Social distancing; “Come out from among them, and be separate and touch
not the unclean thing”.
This is all for now, Would love to hear from you further.
In Christ ‘s Name.
My reply:
Dear Margarita
Certainly we are in unusual times. Whilst generally it looks as if the USA is not too bay, New York seems something else. London is not great either – we may be only an hour away, but that is far enough.
Scripture, especially Revelation (which we had been reading locally until meetings stopped a couple of weeks ago) are full of analogies. But one verse that hit me was not figurative at all. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Rev 16:9
I like your verses
You see very little reference to God in the media.
Greetings in our Lord
Brother William (Chinese name) writes:
Thanks you very much for the email. This email has a lot of information in which in one word Christian lost direction and we need to find a way that could renew our relationship with God.
Best regard
William
My reply:
Yes William, we are in unusual times. Sadly this verse seems to apply to many.
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Rev 16:9
Greetings in our Lord
My answer your specific question:
When it comes to it we realise that meetings are a privilege. We have it easy – what about our dear brethren in North Korea? What about those who are ill? The Lord takes more pleasure in our attachment to Him. Do you agree?
Crawford
I absolutely take your point!
I hope you are staying well.