We Can't Go Back to the Way Things Were
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The cases from this pandemic are starting to taper off in some the most intense regions it hit. One example is New York. That doesn’t mean this is over, but it does stir up the question: what happens after this?
Will things go back to being the same?
We look forward to life as it was. However, I want you to consider that there are some things that shouldn’t go back to normal.
Here are three treasures we have gained through this tragedy that we must fight not to let go back to "normal".
01 Brotherhood Has Replaced Battling.
Our nation has felt more divisive and angry than ever. From political in-fighting to comments on twitter and Facebook, people are angry. Many quarrel for sport.
This leaks into the church. People divide over worship style, political leaning, second-matter in theology, and even the preference of high culture verses pop-culture in the church. What’s fascinating is how God often works through crisis to produce unity of heart and mission.
Strangely enough, in a season of social distancing I’ve felt more comradery than ever. As I’ve gone on runs or walks there’s been people smiling and waving more than ever. As our church has suffered from the hit to economy and the pain of this virus I seen and felt a fresh win of oneness.
I don’t belittle anyone’s pain, but suffering has a way forcing us toward solidarity. We are reminded that we need each other as we unite against a common enemy.
This can’t go back to normal. What you it look like for you to hold onto oneness with those around you? What divisive differences have you seen dampened by this disease? What minor offenses have you been able to overlook? Pain brings perspective and we need hold onto the big picture perspective we gained: The church is One body.
02 Everyday Has Replaced Sunday.
Have you ever felt distant from God during the weekly grind, and then felt like church Sunday just reset your week? I feel that way often. It’s a good thing! But as we’ve been unable to meet, I’ve seen churches, including our church, be forced to get creative in the way we connect with one another.
Whether that’s a zoom chat, a daily devotional, or a bible reading plan, I’ve almost connected with other believers in a more radical way than before the virus.
That’s crazy right? It’s almost like what was meant for evil has been turned into good! This resembles the early church:
Acts 2:44, 46
And all who believed were together and had all things in common…And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts….
Church which can an feel like a one-day-a-week experience s spilling out into the everyday. That’s fantastic.
That’s a mindset shift that we need hold onto permanently. We can’t go back. What have YOU learned about fellowship with other Christians that you can take with you as a treasure from this tragedy?
03 Opportunity
Ease and happiness have a way of hardening us to the things of God; and suffering has a softening effect. Because of this virus there’s an open door the Gospel like we’ve never seen. Even as I write this, one of my neighbors walked up to my backyard looking for connection and love. They’re going to be open to the Gospel now more than ever.
When death is a distant idea it’s rare we take eternal things seriously. That’s true of the Christian and the non Christian. The old adage is true.”there are no atheists in foxholes”. Pain opens doors for us to preach. The question is only: “Are you and I walking though them?” Now is the time to embrace being sent on mission by Jesus to reach our neighbors with the Gospel. We are fishers of men with a huge catch waiting. We are God’s gardeners and the harvest is full.
In Acts 7 the same thing happened.Stephen was murdered and a great persecution arose. But as the believers were scattered they embraced being sent. Philip preached to Samaria and a movement broke out. Persecution led to proclamation for the early church, and corona should lead to commision today.
We can’t miss this opportunity. As soon the doors of Rise open, who are you bringing in? I don’t believe it’s just who, but how many? The Harvest is plentiful. Let’s Get to work.
We can’t go back to the same. While we look forward to gathering don’t miss what you’ve gained through this trial. What treasures have you received from this trial.
