Extraordinary language for extraordinary times: the coronavirus has been described as a ‘tsunami’ breaking in wave after wave on the shores of each nation and its embattled health services.
Boris Johnson (himself now a victim of the virus) has described it as an “invisible enemy”. Something we cannot see, hear, touch, taste or smell has brought the world to its knees, drastically changing our way of life (perhaps irrevocably) as over 2.6 billion people are in ‘lockdown’ and the world’s economy plunges into recession.
Freedom and Fear
Freedoms we took for granted have gladly been surrendered in the virus’ wake. Governments have assumed powers – and we have gladly allowed them to – that in normal times would make us shudder in disbelief. Who knows how these will be retained or used in future?
For many of us, our lives have moved online:
- We are working remotely,
- Church services are livestreamed,
- Prayer meetings are being conducted via video-conferencing,
- Leisure activities, exercise classes and hobbies are being conducted in virtual groups.
Police have been given extraordinary powers to break up meetings in the open air. For now, we can meet in freedom online. However, we are more easily traceable and accountable when we are online.
Many people in the streets look frightened, hunted. The beautiful sunshine of recent days belies the darkness that we sense engulfing us. Some are too frightened even to look others in the eye, casting fearful sideways glances as though the virus can be caught by a look or a smile.
The pace of change has been extraordinary. ‘Lockdown’ began on Tuesday – yet it already seems like a lifetime ago that we could drive where we wanted when we wanted, without having an essential reason for it.
What should Christians do? Pray and work like never before; shine like stars in the night sky (Phil 2)!
What should Christians do? Pray and work like never before; shine like stars in the night sky!
Benefits
Someone has pointed out the following beneficial effects of the pandemic:
- It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally - just ask Tom Hanks, the Prince of Wales or Boris Johnson.
- It is reminding us that we are all connected – something that affects one person has an effect on another.
- It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what is most important for us to do, which is to help each other - especially those who are old or sick. Our purpose is not to buy stuff - not even loo roll.
- It is reminding us of how materialistic our society has become. In times of difficulty, we remember that it’s the essentials that we need (food, water, medicine) as opposed to the luxuries that we sometimes unnecessarily give value to.
- It is reminding us of how important family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It is forcing us back into our houses so we can rebuild them into our homes and strengthen our family units.
- It is reminding us that our true work is not our job. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.
Enforced Sabbath Rest
So, there is a recognition that we have overstepped the mark, gone too far. Now is the reckoning.
The world that would not sleep is taking an enforced sabbath. The pause button has been pressed. Priorities are being reassessed. But will we learn the lessons of this enforced sabbath?
Sources of leisure and pleasure have disappeared overnight: restaurants, pubs, bars, coffee shops, clubs, betting shops, leisure centres, shops and shopping centres – all closed, some perhaps never to reopen. Casually picking up a takeaway coffee or meeting a friend in a café are rapidly distancing memories. Instead, the home is the locus of entertainment with families forced to stay in together, perhaps to eat round a table together every day. It’s as though Christmas has come again – and stayed!
For young people, life is on hold – no exams, fewer jobs, social isolation, weddings postponed, casual dating finished. Anti-social behaviour is likely to decrease as drunken nights out cease and street crime - muggings and knife attacks - should diminish similarly. However, cyber-crime is increasing with corona-fear scams catching out the unwary.
Carbon emissions dropping drastically has been one benefit of this enforced rest. Instead, we are being forced out of our cars and the Prime Minister has recommended one period of daily exercise, something some of us never do (if the obesity epidemic is anything to go by).
Brexit and World Government
We can be grateful that we left the EU just in time. If the health crisis had hit sooner, Brexit would have remained indefinitely on hold. As it is, the trade talks may yet stagnate in the Covid-crisis.
As for the dreaded effect Brexit was going to have on the economy, we may never be able to quantify it, because this pandemic has swiftly overtaken it. The threatened Brexit storm is a distant memory now. However, as governments manage this crisis and the ensuing financial catastrophe, they will be under pressure to cooperate closely. Will this be the time when a powerful leader steps forth to unite them?
The world that would not sleep is taking an enforced sabbath. But will we learn its lessons?
Anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism has spiked online in the wake of the virus with conspiracy theorists spreading their vile poison, as deadly in its own way as coronavirus. Pray for the safety of the Jewish community. Not only is anti-Semitism a rising threat, but The Times reported1 that UK Jews are being disproportionately affected by the virus, being 0.3% of the UK population but accounting for 5% of deaths. The warm friendliness and close family links of the Jewish community have made it vulnerable to this health invader.
Out of Church?
We will never have known a Passover or Easter like it! The blood of the Passover Lamb that delivers from plague and death is especially meaningful.
This is not the time to be out of church. In one sense, we are all out of church because the physical doors are shut. But now is the time to connect with the real church – the people of God – in whatever way you can. Don’t be a sheep outside the fold.
Those who have been on the fringe of the church, the once-a-month churchgoers, the uncommitted, those whose faith is not evidenced by a living faith and gospel-centred relationships with other believers, will be “tossed to and fro” in this crisis (Eph 4:14), perhaps clinging tenuously to online mega-churches or, like millions of the unchurched, cast adrift in the raging social media sea as they search for connection and meaning. Throw them a lifeline, round up the lost sheep into the fold before they lose touch with the rest, if it’s not already too late.
The Great Day Approaches
This is a time that will never be forgotten - it is a foretaste of life before the great Day when the Messiah returns.
Until that time, even as the darkness increases: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). In future, despite the current difficulties, we might look back on this time as one of relative ease. Let’s not waste it but find new ways of cooperating among believers and meeting together (Heb 10:25). The speed of the recent changes should remind us that when that Day comes it will be with “speed and finality” (Rom 9:28).
What Must I Do to be Saved?
So, what should we do? Christians have already received their instructions – the Great Commission. We cannot “go” any more, but we can still make disciples. We cannot go out, but we can pick up the phone.
People are seeking answers. Five million are said to have attended the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Sunday service livestreamed last week. Now is the time to share your hope. Don’t risk letting the people you know and love go to their deaths without hearing the gospel of God – the hope and peace in the face of fear found in the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.
Let the gospel spread faster than the virus!
Now is the Day of Salvation. Today!
This is a time for Christians to be active – it’s not a time to sit at home cringing and wringing our hands. It is not a time to retreat in self-indulgence or escapism. We must watch, pray, seek the Lord and work harder than ever. Contact people by whatever means you can. If you can volunteer, do so and demonstrate the love of God. Pick up the phone, write emails, use video-conferencing, send cards and letters, enclose gospel booklets.
The days of the Minister and the Church doing the work are gone. The churches are shut. The gospel is in your hands – you have the responsibility and the ability to spread it – let it spread faster than the virus!
May the Church worldwide rise to this challenge and may God have mercy on us all!
References
1 27 March 2020
