I’ve not written one of these for a while (sorry) if we end up being in ‘lock down’ you might get a few more – but I’ve had this on my heart for a few days and I wanted to share.
Covid19, is, without question unprecedented in our age and I’m sure you have, like me, been keeping as up to date as possible with developments. Early last week I listened to a podcast from Kris Vallaton of Bethel church America (found here) who spoke about a second virus at work in our world, the virus of fear.
As I’ve reflected on this, I don’t think he’s wrong, but I also don’t think this second ‘virus’ came with the rise of covid19. For the last few years our nation has, for a lot of people, been battling a fear of ‘Brexit’ what it looks like, what it will mean, how it will affect us. Perhaps in this nation, at least, we’ve simply substituted one fear for another.
Never wanting to jump on a particular President’s band wagon, but I doubt the media outlets are helping, every time I go to check the news I half expect a big counter at the top of the page telling me how many people are now infected and how many have died.
But how are we to respond to this?
Of course, Covid19 is serious, it is likely to continue in its rise and we will, as our prime minister said, likely see many more people die as a result. We must do everything we can in order to protect both ourselves, and crucially the most vulnerable in our society.
If you’ve ever heard me preach you will know that my favourite passage of scripture is from Ephesians 1.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
There is so much richness in these verses but I want to pick up on two words, firstly, Hope.
How hopeful are you feeling today?
It’s been said that the words “do not fear” appear in the bible 365 times, sadly I can’t find them all – but it’s certainly true this command of God appears in scripture a lot (I found 145).
Paul prays for the Ephesian church that their eyes would be opened to the ‘hope to which he has called you’ – and whenever I get to this part of the passage I think of the story of Elisha and his servant, seemingly about to be captured and Elisha’s servant suddenly feels completely hopeless. Elisha prays “open his eyes” and suddenly the servant is able to see all of the resources of heaven on the hill tops around him. (If you don’t know the story, read it here)
I led worship yesterday evening, and as part of it wanted to include the song ‘raise a hallelujah’ (found here)
The chorus says:
I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!
Whatever happens over the next few days, weeks and months – we have a hope which is greater, and can look to a God who is greater than anything this world can throw at us.
And so, my first response is to sing (metaphorically as well as, probably, actually) in the middle of this storm, to the God who brings hope. And I’m going to pray that He will open my eyes to see His resources and to not be afraid.
The second word I want to pick up on quickly is the word power, and I wonder how powerful you are feeling at the moment? Unless you’re one of the people working on a vaccine, then perhaps you’re feeling pretty powerless in the face of this outbreak. Perhaps these feelings of powerlessness are to blame for the panic buying we are seeing – as people feel powerless it’s only natural to cling on to the things which are within our control.
Paul prays that our eyes would be open to see, the great power available to us and the reality is that we do have power. God has given us power to see change and His Kingdom come through our prayers – and the archbishops have rightly called us to pray, this must be our first response and something powerful we can all do.
I’m sure, however, there are other things we could do – perhaps contacting on the phone those we know who are alone. I know members of our church family are already reaching out and giving notes to their neighbours offering to help if they end up having to self isolate – this is a great idea, maybe even attach some chocolate! Whatever we decide, I’m sure there are ways we can not only help and support one another, but also be powerful people to spread some joy, laughter and hope.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful, wouldn't it be powerful - if the hope which arises from the ashes of this coronavirus is the healing of the separations and divisions which we’ve seen grow so much over the last few years.
Whatever you do, I encourage you to know that you are not powerless, but God calls us know His power at work in us, and to point others to a God who is able to ‘immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine’.
I want to finish with quoting a blessing that God placed (independently) on both mine and my colleague’s hearts for the end of yesterday’s services at St Paul’s. Perhaps, if you’re willing, you might pray it with me today:
Go forth into the world in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help the afflicted.
Show love to everyone.
Love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among us and remain with us always. Amen.
