April 4, 2020
I know five people who have tested positive.
One in Chicago, one in Cincinnati, and three in Memphis.
I likely know other infected people who’ve not tested.
I should say I know four people, because one of my Memphis friends entered heaven four days ago.
He was an Associate Pastor.
My first acquaintance with all five through the years was at church.
The last time I went to church (which was the last time church was allowed) was on a Sunday evening in the place served by the friend who died (Second Pres Memphis). Though ironic for a gathering staring at death, the church felt wonderfully ALIVE.
It was extremely well attended for an evening service.
The atmosphere was sweet and expectant.
We took Communion.
I’m not protesting the restrictions. I believe they are enforced with good motives.
BUT I AM EXTREMELY WARY OF THE PRECEDENT.
I do protest on principle the prerogative of a government telling a church it can’t meet.
Next time the motive may be more sinister.
One hundred years from now, if the world is still standing (I have my doubts), science may discover that some of the measures taken to fight the virus were counter-productive – just the opposite of what should have been done.
I am especially troubled that prayer meetings have been shut down.
I believe our main hope for deliverance lies in prayer.
I know that sounds silly and contemptible to a secular person, but I’m not a secular person.
For those who blame God’s negligence for the plague, I wonder if He was proportionately credited for health in the good times.
On Monday and Tuesday nights I logged into two separate virtual prayer meetings.
The first night I only knew two of the nine participants.
It was a little awkward and sometimes a bit strained.
I was surprised at how I ached to be WITH the people in those meetings,
to see their faces and to touch their hands.
Christian, avail yourself of such opportunities.
Create the opportunities – even if just means calling a friend to pray down mercy and relief together.
Do it until you can see their faces and touch their hands.