We are in a worldwide crisis, yet is seems many selfishly go
their own way consumed with selfish ambition.
I have been distraught that over 4000 people entered the country and
disregarded the Jamaican authorities’ request to report to health officials and
to self-quarantine for fourteen days. These
folks, however, must feel that it is below them to comply with what seems to be
minor requirements in a time when so many are becoming infected and dying across
the globe from the highly contagious coronavirus. Yes, it may cause temporary inconvenience to
stay at home and be monitored, but it is for a greater good – the wellbeing of
our nation.
God had showed me that pride goes hand in hand with this
rebellious act. And, God is never pleased
with either. In times of trial, the go
to verse for nations in many cases is often - If my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked
ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal
their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV.
The fact is repentance from our rebellion and pride has to come before
God hears us from heaven, forgives our sins and heals our land. This healing is conditional and not a
right. We can go declaring and decreeing
all we like, but if our hearts are not in the right place with God, then we declare
and decree in vain. God is a gracious
and merciful Father, but He will not be manipulated with eloquent words that
come out of a heart that is filled with sin and is unrepentant.
Church folks speak of giving their time, talents and treasures
and it has become almost cliché. Yet,
God does not require our sacrifice, but our obedience. Undoubtedly, God knows the type of fruit that comes from our hearts. There
have been several church leaders in different countries who have broken the law
instituted by their various governmental bodies to limit gatherings as they
believe they have a right to assemble, or that it is an act of faith to discount
the rules put in place during this public health emergency. I know I have been called judgmental and told
that I don’t know what God is doing in each of these persons. That is true, I don’t. God may have spoken to some of these leaders
to assemble in a church building. But,
we must remember that the building is not the body of Christ and God is not
limited to an edifice.
And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned
with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, “As
for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in
which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn
down.” Luke 21:5-6
NASB
Jesus spoke about this happening when the end of time was
near. We must never be so quick to
cherish the building, because that could disappear in the blink of an eye. Many churches have gathered over the internet
and have had spirit-filled prayer sessions and services, along with socializing
while adhering to physical distancing guidelines. I saw a video of a Brazilian church on the
streets with its members several feet apart from each other praying. It was beautiful. Unfortunately, church activities have been
linked with the spread of the disease in different jurisdictions. One of the most concerning clusters in South
Korea, developed when a lady flew into the country and unknowingly spread the
disease to several congregants when she visited a church there. In San Francisco, a third of their COVID-19
cases are linked to church activities.
When these stories go out, it can be a hindrance to the proliferation of
the Gospel as church leaders continue to fight for rights instead of doing what is
right in the eyes of God. Let us not
forget that God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain
on the righteous and the unrighteous. (See Matthew 5:45). Put in context, this verse is about loving
those who do not love you. Should we as
the children of God not love enough to set an example and help in deterring the
spread of an extremely harmful disease that is bringing destruction to the whole
world?
I believe God is doing a new thing in His body. He has seen how we have made the church
building an idol and how worship has become more like a rock concert,
pleasing man rather than Him. And, He is
grieved. God is using this virus to infect
His church with a new found love for Him, which cannot be restricted by a physical
structure. What the enemy means for harm,
God is working for good and to show His glory.
There have been many testimonies of God’s goodness during this difficult
period. Although many of us cry to Him to
take us out of this trial. He is here with
us to carry us through to be stronger spiritually and closer relationally to Him and
others. God is calling us to cast our
net on the other side of the boat. It
may not make sense, but we must obey instead of trying to lean on our own understanding. He is ready to do some mighty things in and
through His people, but we must be ready to change our rebellious ways and
humbly submit to His will.
Years ago, after a horrendous experience in the infamous
9/11 tragedy, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). I was told there was no cure. At the onset of this illness, I could barely
leave the bed and walking was painful because my feet were so sore. For years I suffered with a number of
symptoms in varying degrees. Some time later, I was given a set of CDs on the gifts of the Spirit to listen to and there was a sample CD in the case. I decided to hear what was on this CD,
thinking it was more along the lines of the other CDs, but it wasn’t. The man spoke about territorial spirits that
could have a negative effect on people in a variety of ways. He said to ask God what was the territorial
spirit ruling over the area I was from. Sleepily,
I queried God about the territorial spirit in Jamaica. He responded immediately – rebellion. It made perfect sense to me. We have lauded many of the rebellions
throughout our history. And, indeed they
were quite significant in securing the freedom from slavery. But, we may have gotten used to
rebelling. Often we hear the cries of
angry citizens on the news demanding, “We want justice,” without them truly
comprehending that God’s view of justice goes hand in hand with walking humbly
before Him and being merciful. But, I
digress. Let me go back to the matter at
hand. I immediately repented of my
rebellion sluggishly as I was falling asleep. A couple days later, I recognized something
was different. There was no longer any
tingling in my legs and I could jump out of bed without hesitation when I woke
up ready to tackle the work for the day.
The CFS symptoms had made it challenging for me to get out of bed or stay
awake in the mornings, and after days of tedious work the bottom of my feet
would be so sore, it was difficult for me to walk. But, after I asked God to forgive me of my
rebellion, I was completely healed. I had repented of rebellion, not expecting this favorable result.
Let us not be considered as the Israelites were in Psalm 78:8
- A stubborn
and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its
heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God. There
is punishment for the rebellious - Some
became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered
affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew
near the gates of death. Psalm 107:17-18 NIV. The good news though, is God is willing to
hear our cry.
Then they cried to
the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:19-21 NIV
and he saved them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:19-21 NIV
During this time of trial, let us walk humbly before God,
asking Him for forgiveness and turning from our sin, while submitting to His
will. In His lovingkindness, He will rescue
us in His time and in His way, even though we may not deserve it, but He is true
to His character, a merciful and gracious God who abounds in love.
