As you have probably heard, churches across the country (including ours) are leading the way in protecting the most vulnerable amongst us by putting Sunday gatherings on hold for the time being. Some might say that this is a lack of faith, a cop out, or simply that our God is somehow unable or weak in protecting us. Such things are just the rattling of the can by the accuser.
In Matthew 4, Jesus is taken to the highest mountain by the Devil to be tempted saying: “If you are the Son of God… throw yourself down” (Matthew 4:5-6). The Devil proceeds to quote Psalm 91 to Jesus: “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone”. What is interesting is that this Psalm implies some kind of divine protection over God’s people, no less than from pestilence, terrors and the arrow. Clearly Jesus’ response is one of wisdom and a lesson for us not to take God’s love and goodness for granted, not to think one is above the troubles of this fallen world.
Furthermore, a great many of our forefathers have died for the faith and in the service of others. I can think of no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13), but to put ourselves and particularly others (the vulnerable ones we are called to protect) in front of the bus so to speak is more likely to serve our pride than the Kingdom of God.
Please be patient with yourselves and others at this time and please know that I am but a phone call away. And as always God bless you.
