I thought with so many churches closed due to coronavirus, this might be a good time to write some thoughts without referencing a particular church.
Occasionally circumstances force us to stay home and listen to sermons online. We miss the interaction with other worshipers. We might hear more of the sermon but miss the congregational response.
Where do you draw the line between worship and just listening in, and is there a line to be drawn? Is it the singing, fellowship, and prayers that make it worship? It is no less worship if we fall to our knees in the middle of the forest in awe of God’s majesty. There is a lot to be said for worshiping with brothers and sisters in Christ, but there are also benefits of One-on-one time with the Creator. Both in their own time is even better.
The idiocy of the news media causing panic is pure demonic action. Buy as if this is the apocalypse but hoarding toilet paper won’t help…only Jesus Christ can truly free us from fear. In faith, offer from your over-abundance to the elderly, needy, homeless. They may be praying for any of what you have in excess.
I don’t believe it is ever in our best interest to judge; we worship the One Who will judge in all righteousness. I remember a pastor who preached of inclusiveness and a nonjudgment mindset, even including a story about feeling led to apologize for judging someone too quickly. But at the conclusion of the service he berated us for not having a home church. We did not set out to be nomads, but without question God has guided us through this experience.
We have had a feeling for a while that God will bring change again, perhaps in the form of a book about our experiences. If we are led to join another church, I wonder what that would be like.
May you be blessed to worship when and where you can as you are wrapped in the loving arms of our all-knowing Savior.
Jan’s thoughts:
The circumstances of this virus have taken the world by surprise, and many of us in the US have never experienced social distancing or quarantine, certainly not to this degree. It’s at times like this, when everything feels uncertain and we have no idea what will happen, that we must remember several things.
1 – Be kind and think of others…we’ve all been afraid sometime and could use some grace. Do good and share with those in need (Hebrews 13:16).
2 – Offer others hope and faith…adding to the fear that’s already raining on us helps only our Enemy.
3 – None of this has taken God by surprise and He is still on His throne. Trust Him. Tell Him of your fears and needs and hopes. Use this time to move closer to Jesus and He will move closer to you.
May you experience His peace as you trust in Him.
Our prayer:
Lord, free us from what we are holding on to instead of You. Amen.
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