03/18/2020
"AN OBSERVATION OF THE RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH TO COVID-19"
The current global crisis due to the Coronavirus has elicited various responses from different people groups and I have observed an intriguing phenomenon that pertains to our response and behavior. I believe this is a significant aspect we need to address because as Christians, we are called to uplift and encourage one another, as opposed to condemning or competing in these dire times.
Life in North America, Europe, China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Middle East, etc. has come to a standstill. Social isolation and distancing are encouraged. Churches and seminaries, schools and colleges, hostels and gathering places have been closed. Here inNorth America, we are experiencing lockdown and people are all leaving the universities and going home. Caution is key and people are being so extremely careful. This isn’t because people here are scared or lack faith. Rather, it is a precaution taken as God has given us the responsibility of taking care of ourselves and our neighbors. Just because you or I have a strong immune system does not mean the old or young person next to us possesses the same immunity. Even if we survive the onslaught of the virus, what guarantee do we have that we won't be carriers? Or that those we infect will make it alive? We cannot be selfish and only think about ourselves but act responsibly towards other's safety as well.
Many countries in the global south are yet to grasp the gravity of the situation. I was astounded to see posts on social media claiming that if they were given the chance, they would go and lay hands on the Coronavirus-stricken victims for healing and visit all the quarantined places for healing, instead of closing the church. I completely understand where this is coming from because I too have experienced miraculous healings firsthand - both in my life and in the lives of others during ministry (I have witnessed lame men walking and blind eyes seeing and so on). But I believe it is unfair to demean other peoples' faith when one has not experienced the same scale of loss and grief. One of the hyper charismatic centers in the world where most charismatic and faith-healing ministry draws their source from- the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry at California, USA, has shut down their healing room/center due to the virus. Why? It isn’t because they do not experience healing, because we know they do! But they are being sensitive to the environment they live in. The situation is very serious.
The Word of God instructs us not to judge one another (Matthew 7:1). I believe the 'holier than thou' attitude needs to be dropped. We are all in this together. We are all suffering together. It is time to unite more than ever; to fight against this disease. Suffering is a part of the Christian life. The problem of pain and theodicy is something the Church has wrestled throughout history, and it is inevitable. We do not have all the answers for the pain and suffering in the world, but we do know why our Lord Jesus Christ came to suffer in this world. Our Lord Jesus suffered for our sins and to give us eternal life; Paul suffered for his faith. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for everything. Even though it is now time when the world suffers as a whole, we can trust God and rise above the suffering; He comforts us while we mourn (Matthew 5:4); even in our suffering, we have peace, because He has overcome the world! (John 16:33).
It is already disheartening to witness racism in many places as people dub the disease 'the Chinese virus' or 'the Asian virus.' It is an enigma that we are appropriating blame instead of spending every available resource and time to find a cure or stop the spread of the virus. Add to this mix, our own Christian brothers and sisters disregarding and taking digs at each other’s' faith and we might as well lose all hope. Trust me, I am sandwiched between both worlds and have experienced both sides. It is wonderful to have faith - even one as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, right? So, what's a petty virus in comparison? - but faith and arrogance do not make a good pair. Using precautions to preserve the safety of ourselves and others is not only an appeal but a duty as well. Healing, signs, and wonders should only humble us and not make us ignorant.
When the Israelites were en route to the Promised Land, they received manna from heaven, but when they conquered Canaan, they had to till the land for bread and grow vineyards. They ate the produce of their hard work. Why did God not provide them manna forever? God wanted them to live responsible and accountable lives. Are we doing the same today?
God has given the church the role of a shepherd for the people. The shepherd holds a rod and a staff. The rod is for attacking the enemy and chastising the wrong, while the staff is to lead with wisdom and discernment. Are we utilizing all the functions allotted to us? James 2:17 warns us that "faith without works is dead." Let us utilize an equal measure of both faith and work, and triumph over this crisis in Jesus name! Amen!
In Christ,
Husezo Rhakho
