Is the COVID-19 Uniting Us or Dividing Us?

 

Mark 4, Psalm 56 

The Church Pandemic 

 

It’s in our social feeds, memes, streaming news and blogs. We’ve seen website after website supporting the need for at-home-streaming for those at work, school and church. As worship leaders, what does this mean for us? Do we shut church down? Do we go ahead and lead services anyway? Do we shutter to think that the look of church worship maybe changing? Do we forget it all and hustle to get an HD video camera to lead worship to the masses? I don’t believe we are to do anything rash in our decision making, and do believe we are to think differently to form a good response. 

 

Our family spent the morning like most people around the world, glued to our screens. We watched countless news reports and read numerous posts. One thing is certain, the COVID-19 is no joke as it clearly is affecting everyone world-wide. So how does this affect us in the way we do church, in the way we lead or follow-in worship? What I can tell you is that the world is watching the Church – in the way that we respond. So how do we lead (Non-Christians and Christians) in a way that humbly points them to Christ, without partiality and presupposing? 

 

People respond to daily and life-events uniquely. This definitely includes crises and trauma. Because a person has their own personal make-up, background and the lenses of how they see things, does not make them wrong in experiencing tragedy. The difference in any traumatic event is what we do with it. Do you let the panic control you, or do you control the panic? We are to be smart.

 

Sometimes are sense of resolve is clouded by tragedy – we can either deny it, or magnify it. So was the case of the disciples in the boat in Mark 4.35-41. “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36. Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”In the face of this storm, the disciples said: ““Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Now, the writer of this Gospel called this storm “furious.” He could have described the storm any other way. 

 

It’s only normal to feel sad, anxious and scarred about any tragedy, pain and pandemic. A threat that impedes or intimidates the existing and well-being of life, will cause a person to defend, react and respond in their own way, which does not make them wrong. It is in our responsibility of how we process the event, and the choices we make to survive. In the case of the disciples, they were afraid and acted out of fear. They reacted and went to Jesus, questioning him if He cared. I believe this was written for our learning because we are just like the writer and the disciples. We have our own way of seeing things and acting. One thing is clear, the disciples, no matter their fear, even in the deep threat, the did the right thing: they looked to and ran to Jesus. Another beauty in this picture is the way Jesus responded to them. Yes, he did rebuke them, but he never condemned them. He held them accountable in love; very much like the way Jesus caught Peter when we fell through the water. He never let them drown like they feared. Jesus spoke words of authority and peace, as he restored calm. We are shown that are fears are real; we are also shown the reality of His true mercy. It’s what makes us human. 

 

A few days ago, I went to our local grocery store to stock up on food and supplies. Yes, it was nutty. I found myself going nutty. As I staggered into the aisle, I approached a half-empty water pallet. In the midst of a small crowd, there was an elderly man, trying to carry away his case of water. In the man’s haste to get away from the people, I saw that he left his cane on the floor. People were afraid to pick it up to help, so I grabbed the cane and raced off to the man.  When I caught up with him, I saw that he was the same age as my father. When I asked/explained that he left his cane, his face lit up like a Roman candle. He made a joke about lifting such a heavy object and now leaving behind his walking support. We continued our conversation, checking out at the same lane and proceeding out the store together. He turned to me and said, “This is what really matters in such a terrible time. We are doing what most people need: having a conversation.”This truth stuck with me the entire week. There was no panic, no judgement and no fear of what is to come. We were two people, never met each other before, and caring about each other. The gentleman also went on to say that our Almighty God sees all and will see us through it all.

 

Are We Being Divided, What does the Bible Say? 

 

Across social feeds I have seen two camps concerning the coronavirus: there are those who say we just need faith to combat this over-blown virus; there are others who say we just need to work harder and look out for ourselves. There are posts that say: “if you just have enough faith….” What does this say to those who are struggling? Are they in sin because maybe they need help in their wearing faith? Plus, to the one who is measuring others, what is their authority, knowing that they fall just as short? Other posts indicate: “we need to put our trust in our efforts and the government.”

 

What does this say to those who believe by faith? Does this make them arrogantly pious – just because they believe in a God who is real? All of us need faith, that only comes from the One who is not partial in His giving. The problem is the mixed confusing messages we are sending to a watching-world. Maybe more than ever, people are REALLY searching for God.

 

The word will look for His people, but what will they find, how will they see our actions, posts and words? The apostle James put it in another way. He exhorted us to show both our faith and our works through our actions and our words.”What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17 (NIV) 

 

What good is our faith and works if we are not showing them to people? How is our stance godly, if we are not honoring God by doing what he says? 

 

During this time, I’ve had my own opinions, judgements and failures. There’s nothing I can do by myself to fix the problem. This is God’s job as he uses the Holy Spirit to work in people. My prayer during this time is for Him to bend my heart to work through me. Also, prayers for comfort, healing and peace for people + our world and local leaders. It is time. We are to unite as one, as He prayed that we would be as one (John 17.22). Jesus said that we will face trouble in this world, but will have His peace (John 16.33). He also prayed that we: “may be perfectly united. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17.23).  

 

As leaders in the church and followers as His bride, have this great opportunity to let the world know. Yes, things will get worse before they get better. Yes, those of us may get sick, some may not. The reality, is that we have a God that will see us through each trial, as all will pass. How do we serve our local church: “May our prayers and faith be united among believers, and do what James encouraged: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5.16

 

“May our faith work together among people and believers. We place our faith in God, we place our work in God – and the two coexist together. The Lord has given us His word, a sound mind and wisdom (2Tim 1.7). We are to be faithful in every way, and to do what God has given in our every ability. 

 

Regarding our social posts: “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV In the event of personal need: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14 (NIV) How we can help and comfort others: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12.12-13; “…mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 (NIV) “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you” Luke 10.9. 

 

We also have this accountable word from our Lord: “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty ora stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?'” Matt 25.44  

 

Serve others as we are serving I find great comfort in this passage as well, may this encourage you during this time and always: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” – 1 Peter 5.6-8