March 2020 - Pastor Rich Eddy

Letters From Prison, Part 3

Yep, I’m still in prison. At least, in the sheltering-at-home version of it, thanks to the rampant coronavirus. Now that the “shelter-in-place” orders have been extended through April 30, I thought I would address a couple points I didn’t get to in the previous two blogs by writing another “letter from prison” about the situation. Here goes:

1. Is this the end of the world? Several people have contacted me and asked whether I believe this pandemic is a sign of the end times. They rightly understand that there are biblical prophecies which speak of pestilence (diseases, plagues, epidemics) as one of the signs of the end times, and wonder if this is the one prophesied. Consider:

Revelation 6:8 “And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.”

Luke 21:11 [Jesus said,] “There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”

I would answer this legitimate question as follows: First, I don’t know the answer. Scripture does not lay out the date; Jesus said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” It could be now, or it could be later. Either way, God’s Word tells us to be faithful and prepared, praying and looking forward to that day. When the end comes, everybody will know it.

Second, the end times began when Jesus came and died for us. Everything changed as a result of that. Regarding what had to be done to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for sinful mankind, Jesus completed that by his death and resurrection. “It is finished” as Christ proclaimed from the Cross. In Acts 2, Peter announced that the coming of the Holy Spirit fulfilled God’s promise to send his Spirit “in the last days.” Hebrews 1 tells us that “in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son.”

Third, I would say that all the clearly understood signs of the end have been seen repeatedly throughout history. When have we not seen “wars and rumors of wars,” pestilences, scoffers, false teachers, and persecutions? When has knowledge not increased, or people not fall away from the faith? Some of the historical example have been so terrible that Christians living in those times were certain the end had come. Consider the Black Death of the 1400s which killed some 30 million Europeans (1/3 of the population), and reduced the world population by an estimated 100 million. Coming while Turks were attacking at the gates of the Christian nations of Europe, who would not believe the end was at hand? Or what about the Influenza Pandemic of 1918, which infected 500 million people worldwide and killed at least 50 million? As Americans, we tend to define biblical predictions in terms of our own lives in this country, but God’s perspective is the world. Therefore, though millions worldwide have experienced genocides and great disasters (such as the tsunami of 2004 which killed 228,000 people), we don’t consider them as biblical fulfillment; let something like them happen here, and we would be convinced the end had come.

Now, some believers counter by saying that per Jesus’ words, the Gospel needs to be preached to every nation before the end comes (Matthew 24:14), and since there are people groups still unreached, the end is not here. But I would reply that we don’t know how God defines “nation.” Based on the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, then the task is complete; Paul agrees when he writes that the Gospel has gone into all the world (Romans 1:8 and 10:18). We just don’t know how God decides that prophecy will be fulfilled.

Fourth, I would just say one thing. Even though many people are fearful of the last day when Christ returns and the world as we know it ends, what is more fearful is if Christ didn’t return, for in his return all sickness and death will end, all sin banished, and true justice established. For that wonderful day all creation waits in joyful anticipation!

2. The second question people ask, is how to face this epidemic without giving in to fear and discouragement. My answer is to let “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). How do we do that? By remembering the hope in which we stand: the eternal life bought for us by Jesus through his death and resurrection. And by letting the Holy Spirit comfort us as we bring to mind those special passages of Scripture which give us hope.

For myself, I find hope in every circumstance from the following:

“The earth is the LORD‘s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Genesis 18:25

“Even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-6

“. . . I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.” Psalm 91:1-3

There are so many other Scripture passages that give peace and comfort, I might as well print a whole Bible here! I’m sure you have other verses that speak to you. Read them, meditate on them, and look to the Lord for your comfort and strength.

Finally, if you want to hear something to encourage you in this difficult time, check out this awesome video that demonstrates the power of 176 people from 34 countries coming together – remotely – to lift their voices to God:

Now, may the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Read: Everything above!

Letters From Prison, Part 2

As I stated in the previous blog, I am in prison.

But as I also pointed out, I’m not locked up in the state penitentiary, nor in the local hoosegow (yes, that really is a word!). Rather, like millions of Americans and others around the world, I am “sheltering at home”as ordered by the authorities to prevent or at least slow down the spread of the coronavirus in our communities. I guess you could call it a “virtual” prison.

In keeping with the example set by other, more famous personages throughout history, from the Apostle Paul to Martin Luther King, Jr., I thought I might take advantage of this enforced isolation to write some “Letters from Prison” about our current situation. Enough has been said by pundits on TV about the political, medical, and economic aspects of the coronavirus pandemic, but not much about the spiritual and religious considerations.

So, in light of that oversight, let me share a few thoughts with you.

1. Today I heard of a teen who complained about the cancellation of things he wanted to do, thanks to the sheltering-in-place order. He said, “I didn’t ask for this.” To which I reply, “Duh!” No one asked for this. No one wanted to get sick and die, no one wanted travel restrictions, job losses, business and school closures (well, maybe the school closings), or orders to stay home. But it happened. So do all other interruptions of life, from car accidents to cancer to acts of violence. No one gets married because they want to get divorced later, but it happens. Close friends and love interests break up, and people get fired. Natural events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, etc. claim lives, destroy homes (no sheltering at home possible!), and change futures. We have had the luxury of living privileged lives in this country during this century, but nothing on this earth is guaranteed or permanent. Like the farmer who built bigger barns to hold his wealth and boasted that he could eat and drink and be merry with all he had accumulated, we must be ready for the Lord to tell us that tonight our soul may be required of us, when all we desire in this life will be taken away (Luke 12:20). So no, we didn’t ask for this, but it comes with living in a fallen world.

2. Even though our world is fallen and dangerous, it still has much beauty and goodness in it. God’s divine nature, power and wisdom are still seen in what he has created (Romans 1:20). He designed our immune systems and our bodies’ ability to heal. He gave us intelligence and the raw materials for us to devise and use treatments and vaccines. And there is great beauty in most of life that lies beyond today’s viral concerns.

Even among us fallen sinners, enough of God’s image remains to move us to compassionate works, caring for those who are afflicted and suffering. We hear of people selling fakes cures on Amazon and shake our heads; we hear of a 72-year old priest in Italy giving up his respirator to save the life of a virus-afflicted younger person, and we wipe tears from our eyes. We see videos of someone licking public surfaces and we get angry; we see medical staff working diligently and risky themselves to help the sick, and we feel very grateful. I urge you to look for what beauty and goodness remains in nature and humanity for your daily encouragement.

3. During this time when we are told to avoid personal contact, to practice social distancing, and stay home, only those businesses and jobs that are deemed “essential” are being allowed to operate. The government has listed specific essentials such as groceries, pharmacies, medical practices, first responders, utilities, radio stations, and banks. It makes sense, since there are services and goods we need in order to stay safe and healthy and in touch. But I have noticed one glaring omission from the list of essential services, and that is “church.” What is more essential than gathering to worship our Lord and Savior under even the best of circumstances? And what about now, to worship the One who has the power and wisdom to protect and guide us through these difficult times?

Throughout history, believers have gathered to pray for deliverance from whatever was threatening them, whether the enemy was human or disease. They did so because they called on God who provided all their needs and promised never to leave them or forsake them. And at times, the Lord did deliver them in answer to their prayers.

When the Mongols threatened to overrun a defeated and undefended Europe in 1241, the people of Europe gathered in their churches and prayed. Suddenly the Mongol Great Khan died, and the invading leader rushed his horde back to Mongolia to seek election as his replacement, sparing Europe. When the plague struck the German town of Oberammergau in 1633, the people gathered to pray for God’s deliverance. After they prayed, people healed, there were no more deaths, and the next year they began the ten-year cycle of Passion plays in thanksgiving. (Which play for this year has been cancelled due to this new plague, and moved to 2022). And the Apostle Peter was quickly freed from prison in answer to the prayers of the Jerusalem church – before he had time to write any letters from there. The people were still praying for him when he walked in and joined them! (Acts 12:6-17) As Christians, we are called to pray for our deliverance whatever is facing us.

4. But the question arises during this time of social-distancing, whether we can still worship God, pray as a community, and be the Church when we are all scattered to our individual homes. The answer is yes, though we would much rather gather as the Lord tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. . .”

a. The Church is not a building, nor one location, but rather is the collection of believers around the world, wherever and whenever they be. We will always be absent from most of our fellow believers in this life, yet are joined with them in faith by one body: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

b. Article 7 of the Augsburg Confession (the basic Lutheran doctrine) states, “The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.” In our day of enhanced communication over the internet, we are able to hear the Gospel being preached, even by our own congregation’s pastors, and to hear and see the liturgy of worship, a liturgy based on Scripture. So in that way, at least part of the definition of a local church is met.

c. As far as the Sacraments, that could be more of a challenge, though with some careful adjustments, the elements of bread and wine could be administered. It could be done as a drive-through procession, or even online*: the pastor could institute communion at a specific time, and the congregants (that is, non-congregating congregants) could self-administer their own bread and wine (or grape juice) at the direction of the pastor. After all, it is not the pastor who actually institutes the communion, but Christ, whose words are spoken by the pastor; nor is the church-owned bread and wine any more holy than what we have at home. Likewise, it is not the pastor’s touch of the elements that sanctifies them, but the Word of God. As Luther said in the Small Catechism about the benefits of communion: “It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does them, but the words which stand here, namely: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins. Which words are, beside the bodily eating and drinking, [are] the chief thing in the Sacrament. . .”

d. If the mandated shut down of people-gatherings were actually government persecution of churches specifically, then I would say to resist the order and accept the consequences that disobedience would cause. Christians have done that over the centuries under many regimes that sought to stamp out the faith. Literally millions of martyrs testify to that fact. They sought to honor God, “rendering unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17), and they chose to “obey God, rather than men” (Acts 5:29). But this situation affects everyone and every institution, not just the churches. Here the question the churches must answer about gathering in person goes to Christ’s statement on what is the greatest commandment. He said the greatest commandment is to love God, and secondly, to love our neighbor. Our local congregation, as well as most others, recognize that for the sake of loving our neighbors (not to mention our brothers and sisters in Christ), we will support the social-distancing for now to protect our neighbors from becoming sick from gathering with others who might be infected. Fortunately, because of our technology, this is possible without losing all contact.

There are two more points about the current pandemic I would like to make, about (1) whether this pandemic is a harbinger of the end times, and (2) about what passages of Scripture comfort us in these times, but as I look at the clock and at my word count for this blog, I realize I need to break here and write a Part 3 for the next blog. So now, while you wait with bated breath for the next installment,

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Read: Mark 12:13-17; Acts 5:17-42; Ephesians 4; Ephesians 5:22-33

P.S. An alert female reader reminded me to finish the passage I started last blog where I quoted Ephesians 5 about wives submitting to their husbands . . . Too bad I’m out of time and space to do that now. Maybe later . . .

*Disclaimer: Online communion is not an acceptable practice according to the Executive Committee of my denomination, The American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC). Our Presiding Pastor issued that statement the day after I first posted this blog. As a member of the AALC’s clergy roster, I would not practice what my denomination rejects, but still believe it warrants discussion.

Letters From Prison

I am in prison.

Well, not actually locked up in a jail cell with bars on the windows and a cell mate with a tattoo on one arm saying, “Mother” and a tattoo on the other arm of a skull and crossbones. I’m at home, my wife is with me, my cat follows me around, and I have food, drink, the internet, and plenty of books and games. Not only that, but I’m basically an introvert, so being at home almost all the time is not that hard on me. Not yet, anyway.

Other than to make pastoral calls on a few men who were in local jails, I’ve never actually been “in prison.” However, now that I am under “house arrest” by order of the Governor of California and other, more local officials due to the coronavirus pandemic, I consider that I am now “in prison.”

But prison, even one more punitive and spartan than mine, is not the end of the world. Some of the most famous and impactful writings are those that are known as “Letters from Prison,” because they were, well, written while their authors were in jail or prison.

Among such writings are, “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. about confronting racism non-violently; “Letters and Papers from Prison” by the Lutheran pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (who was executed in a Nazi prison); “The Prison Letters” by Nelson Mandela against apartheid; and Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler (no, scratch that last one – he and his writings were more infamous than famous. To borrow a phrase from Franklin Roosevelt, Hitler and his book “will live in infamy!”)

A better example would be our old friend, Martin Luther, who during a ten month span under protective custody in the Wartburg Castle, translated the New Testament into German and corresponded with friends and fellow reformers back in Wittenberg, including Philipp Melanchthon. He wrote letters of encouragement for those carrying on in his absence, and spoke on matters affecting the churches. He complained of himself being idle and “drunk with leisure,” yet at the same time he told of what he was doing, such as reading Scripture in Greek and Hebrew, and writing sermons and commentaries. He said, “I am both very idle and very busy here; I am studying Hebrew and Greek, and am writing without interruption.” So much for sitting around idly!

An even better example is the Apostle Paul, whose Prison Epistles are part of the inspired Holy Scriptures. Paul was held in various jails when arrested by local authorities for disturbing the peace by stirring up opposition to his preaching. One was in Ephesus, when the local silversmiths rose up against him for ruining their business of selling silver idols. Another was in the Greek city of Philippi, where Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and imprisoned for disturbing the peace and promoting non-Roman customs (Acts 16:20-21). But those confinements were short term; his long-term, final imprisonment began when he was falsely accused of taking a Gentile into the Jerusalem Temple (Acts 21). He was arrested and held in jail the rest of his life, first in Caesarea in Judea (Acts 24-25) and then in Rome (Acts 28). It was during his lengthy imprisonment in Rome that Paul wrote some of his “letters from prison,” specifically Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. The first three were written to churches which Paul had founded or visited, laying out important doctrines to help those believers counter false teachers who were contradicting the true Gospel which he had taught them. The final one was to a friend, Philemon, asking him to take back a slave, Onesimus, who had run away, and accept him as a brother in Christ. Included in these Prison Epistles are some of the most beloved and important passages of Scripture, such as:

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 6:12-13 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (followed by the description of the whole armor)

Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 2:5-10 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 1:15-20 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

Colossians 3:18 “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” (This passage continues with instructions to the husbands, but I think I’ll stop here to keep this blog short . . .)

Yes, indeed, Paul made good use of his time in jail, not to mention that he converted some of his jailers and guards to the faith, too!

As for me, while sitting eating bonbons and watching TV and cat videos for several hours yesterday, I thought about making good use of this enforced leisure by writing my own, soon-to-be-famous, “Letters from Prison.” So let me share a few thoughts with you, most of whom are “fellow prisoners,” about this current situation we all are in, thanks to the coronavirus.

But, because this blog is long enough, I’m going to present my “Letters from Prison” in Part 2 of this blog (cliffhanger!). So, until next time,

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Read: Acts 16; Philippians 4; Ephesians 6

P.S. Teaser for Part 2: What about church gatherings vs stay-at-home orders?

True Cleansing

On March 15 I filled in for Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Galt, California, leading worship and preaching. My sermon began by my walking to a table set with a bowl of water and a hand towel. I washed my hands and said the following:

In a short while we’re going to receive communion. But with all the news about the coronavirus, and practically every government agency, company, and health provider telling us to wash our hands regularly to avoid passing on the disease, I thought it would be prudent to wash my own hands before handling the bread and the wine.

As of March 14th, the coronavirus, or Covid-19, had spread to 142,530 confirmed cases and 5393 deaths in 135 countries. People are under quarantine, and all kinds of travel and public events are being cancelled. Some sports teams are competing in empty stadiums! Globally, the WHO has declared it to be a world-wide pandemic. Locally, we have had our first cases in Elk Grove and our first death.

My wife and I are very much aware of the effects this disease is having in the world, because we have been planning a trip to Italy and Germany this year to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau. But now, with Italy on lockdown, Germany’s cases spiking, and international travel being cancelled or banned, our prospects are looking very dim. And that doesn’t count the actual disease and its serious effects on those who get it.

And so, today I wash my hands for your sake and mine.

The only problem is, as I stand here washing my hands, I am reminded of another very famous hand-washing. It took place in Jerusalem when Jesus stood trial before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. Pilate realized Jesus was innocent of any crime deserving death, but when the crowds threatened to riot, Pilate gave in to the crowd’s demands that he crucify Jesus. Matthew 27:24 tells us what Pilate did next: “. . . he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’”

By washing his hands, Pilate was denying his guilt for what was about to happen, by washing away any blame for Jesus’ death. Ever since then, whenever anyone denies responsibility for someone or something, they say they are washing their hands of the matter. As if just saying that, or washing one’s hands physically, can take away sin or guilt.

But, it takes a lot more to get rid of guilt than just water. Or soap and water. Or soap and water and hand sanitizer! Real cleansing of guilt and the sin that caused it require a cleansing act by someone who is able to actually remove that guilt. When it comes to our sin and guilt, the One who has the authority to forgive and remove it is Jesus Christ (Mark 2:5-10), and the cleansing act was his death on the cross.

That act was remarkable in what it cost Jesus for our sake. I am reminded of another sacrifice made in Jesus’ name. In 1864 a Catholic priest from Belgium known as Damien answered the call to missions, and traveled to a leper colony on the island of Molokai, in Hawaii. At first he failed in his work, making few converts, and was ready to leave the island. Then, while waiting for the boat, he discovered his hands had lost feeling. Realizing he had caught leprosy from those he tried to serve, he stayed. Now accepted by his fellow lepers as one of them, he ministered to them spiritually and practically, building houses, schools, roads, hospitals, and churches. He dressed residents’ ulcers, built a reservoir, made coffins, dug graves, shared pipes, and ate with them, providing both medical and emotional support. He served until he became too sick, dying at age 49 . . . of leprosy.

In a way, Damien’s story parallels Christ’s sacrifice for us. Christ came to a world full of people infected with the deadly disease of sin. He lived among us, sharing our lives, healing, teaching, and caring for real needs in this world. Finally, he took on our sin and the guilt that goes with it, becoming sin for our sake, and dying for us, just as Damien gave his life for those infected with a deadly illness. The difference of course, is that Jesus’ death brought life and the eternal cure for our sin and guilt.

Why did Jesus do this? Why did he accept the horrible death of crucifixion and the taking on of our condemnation for sin? Why did he go through with it, knowing what was to come? Romans 5 tells us why: love. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

And how do we receive the benefit of the cleansing that Christ did for us? Through faith in him and what he did. Romans 5 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

So how do we respond to the pandemic now affecting our world?

Interestingly, Martin Luther was asked a similar question about the Black Death which had swept across Europe killing millions of people. This was his reply:

“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”

Luther’s answer was that we should take proper precautions to avoid getting or passing on the disease, so as to not tempt God, but to accept risks when serving those in need. Above all, pray for God’s merciful protection.

I like what he had to say. It’s okay to avoid dangers that would harm us or others, but when called upon to alleviate suffering, we step forward faithfully in prayer. We are not called to try to become sick, but if we do, we have God’s consolation. Paul’s Roman passage promises: “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Luther’s call to prayer recognizes that we are truly dependent on God in every situation, and not on ourselves. Sure, we take precautions, including washing our hands, avoiding the sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and developing a vaccine, but ultimately we have to submit our future to God. We need to trust his promise to be with us through whatever we face, and that he loves us and has the power to heal according to his purposes.

We appreciate Luther’s response, but how about ours?

When troubles come our way, are we ungrateful for what God has already provided for us, and ask, “What have you done for me lately?” Or do we thank him for how he has already blessed us beyond measure in so many ways?
When we have fears or unmet needs, do we grumble to God and blame him for what we’re facing, or do we accept his will and look for how God will bless and grow us in this situation, producing character and hope?
When problems strike, do we doubt his existence (“A loving God wouldn’t let me go through this!”) and search elsewhere for answers? Or do we believe God’s promise never to leave or forsake us, and Christ’s promise to be with us until the end of the age, taking us to be with him no matter what happens in this world?
Do we live in a world of Massah and Meribah (see Exodus 17 and Psalm 95) where the Israelites grumbled for lack of water, or by the Spirit of God with love, joy, peace, and the other fruit of the Spirit?
Do we face the dangers of this world, such as the coronavirus, with paralyzing fear, or with trust and confidence in the Lord? What if we get the virus? Will it shatter our faith, or lead us to seek God’s will for us in the new circumstances we face?

My prayer is that you all avoid getting the coronavirus, and maybe my hand-washing will help a little. But whatever happens, rejoice in all the Lord has done, for he has cleansed you for all eternity.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Read: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95:1-9; Romans 5:1-8

Beware the Ides of March 2020

“Beware the Ides of March!” That line from Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, was uttered by a soothsayer who warned the Roman dictator about March 15 and the danger he would face that day. The year was 44 BC, and as actually happened, Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15 by a group of senators and a former friend named Brutus.

Sunday is March 15, the Ides of March according to the Roman calendar. While we probably don’t have to worry about our senators assassinating us, we have plenty to worry about if we let ourselves, given the news stories we hear every day. Particularly, the big scary news these days is about the coronavirus, or Covid-19, which as of today has spread to 142,530 confirmed cases and 5393 deaths in 135 countries. Governments and health officials are issuing warnings, areas are under quarantine, and all kinds of travel and public events are being cancelled. Some sports teams are even competing in empty stadiums! Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it to be a world-wide pandemic. Locally, we have had our first cases in Elk Grove and our first death.

Of course, worries about epidemics, plagues, wars, and other life-threatening situation are nothing new. They have threatened and worried people throughout history. And with good reason, considering events like the 1918 flu epidemic that infected 1/3 of mankind and killed 20 to 50 million people world-wide, or the Black Death of the 14^th century, which reduced the world population by 100 million and killed 30 to 60% of Europe.

So it was that the Israelites, too, faced a serious life-threatening situation while crossing the wilderness following their escape from Egypt. Exodus 17 tells us what happened: “All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ And Moses said to them, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?’

But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?’

When we first read this, we may look down on the Israelites as petty ingrates because we know how the story ends. We know that God will save them, as he already had in different ways. But now, faced with no water to drink, the people feared they would die of thirst in the hot desert. Their concern was legitimate: without water they would die, and there was no sign of it to be found. Their problem was not that they feared their destruction, but how they responded to a very real danger.

First, they forgot those miraculous deliveries and provisions God had already shown them. They had witnessed the plagues God had rained down on Pharaoh and his people. God had saved them from the Egyptians, and brought them safely across the Red Sea, destroying the pursing Egyptian army in the process. He fed them with manna, bread from heaven. Surely they should have been grateful and expected God would take care of them. But they adopted a “What have you done for us lately?” attitude.
Second, instead of praying to God and submitting to his commands, they blamed God and his servant Moses, even threatening to stone Moses to death. The passage tells us that God brought them to this place, Rephidim, so they should have known he would provide where he leads.
Moses warned them about their grumbling, pointing out that they were not only complaining to him, but also were testing the Lord. Just as David admitted in Psalm 51 when confessing his sins to God, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” Moses’ warning should have calmed the people, but still they grumbled.
After providing the people with the needed water, Moses named the location Massah and Meribah, which in Hebrew mean “testing” and “quarreling,” because the people of Israel tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” This showed the people questioned God’s word, his commandments, and his promises. They even doubted his presence and his love for them. They had no faith.

Their sin paralleled that of Adam and Eve, who doubted God’s commands and word, forgot all God had given them in the Garden, and wanted what they didn’t have. And the Bible tells us that all death flows from that original sin; it has caused more deaths than thirst, plagues, and wars combined. As Romans 5:12 tells us, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”

When we understand the Israelites’ errors at Rephidim, we recognize some of the same attitudes, or at least tendencies, in ourselves:

Although blessed beyond measure in so many ways, we often forget not only to be grateful for what God has already provided for us, but also adopt that “What have you done for me lately?” attitude. Sure he’s provided all my needs, but what about those wants that I’m still lacking? Sure, he’s given me 68 years of a good life, but what if I get sick or die?
When I have a fear or unmet need, do I grumble to God, blame him for what I’m facing, or do I accept his will and look for how God will bless and grow me in this situation. As Paul wrote in Romans 5: “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Do we have faith, trusting in God’s promises in Christ? Or do I doubt his existence (“A loving God wouldn’t let me go through this!”) and search elsewhere for answers? Do I believe God’s promise never to leave or forsake me, and Christ’s promise to be with me until the end of the age, taking me to be with him no matter what happens to me in this world?
Do we live in a world of Massah and Meribah, or by the Spirit of God with love, joy, peace, and the other fruit of the Spirit?
Do I face the dangers of this world, such as the coronavirus, with paralyzing fear, or with trust and confidence in the Lord? It’s certainly good to follow the protective procedures being urged by health professionals, but what if you get the virus anyway? Will it shatter your faith, or lead you to seek God’s will for you in the new circumstance you face?

Would you go into a dangerous area to save a stranger? How about an infected area where your chances are highly likely you’d catch whatever it is? A similar question became very real to a Catholic priest from Belgium named Damien who answered to call to missions, traveling in 1864 to the leper colony on Molokai, Hawaii. At first he failed in his work, and was ready to leave the island. Then, while waiting for the boat, he discovered his hands had lost feeling. Realizing he had caught leprosy from those he tried to serve, he stayed. Now accepted by his fellow lepers, he ministered to them spiritually and practically, building houses, schools, roads, hospitals, and churches. He dressed residents’ ulcers, built a reservoir, made coffins, dug graves, shared pipes, and ate with them, providing both medical and emotional support. He served until he became too sick, dying at age 49 of leprosy.

Damien gave his life for those infected with a deadly illness. I don’t believe we are all called to find people sick with the coronavirus and try to catch it ourselves. But if it happens, or you are called to alleviate their suffering, remember this: no less did Christ come to be with, and die for us who were mortally ill with sin.

Paul closes Romans 5:1-9 with these amazing words of God’s love:

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

My prayer is that you all avoid getting the coronavirus, but whatever happens, don’t worry, even if it is the Ides of March, and rejoice in all the Lord has done for you and will do in all eternity to come.

Now, may the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Read: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-9

Going Viral

The big news story this past week has been – no, not the primary elections – but rather the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hardly a day, or even an hour, goes by without news that the virus has spread to a new country or state. It’s hard to keep up with the progress of the disease as we read or hear new reports of the numbers of infections and fatalities associated with the illness. It doesn’t do much good to remind people of the greater lethal risk from the regular flu, from car crashes, or violence. The coronavirus has captured our imagination and activated our fears.

While it’s not the Spanish Flu of 1918 (which infected 1/3 of mankind and killed maybe 50 million people), nor the start of the Zombie Apocalypse, it seems to be very serious and worth paying attention to.

As I’ve watched the spread of the virus and considered its implications, I considered writing about it, but at first I wasn’t sure what I could write that would be informative/acutely insightful/coherent about the situation. Then I realized, a blog doesn’t have to be informative/acutely insightful/coherent to be written and published, so here goes. Here are some random thoughts that more or less come together around the coronavirus epidemic:

First. My wife and I are planning a trip to Europe to see the sights and end up in Oberammergau, Germany, to attend the famous Passion Play, which reenacts the final week leading up to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. I have been wanting to see this performance for 50 years now, ever since I learned about it in my high school German classes. It’s performed only every ten years, so I figured this could be my last chance to see it while still fairly young and mobile. We started making reservations for the trip, and then the virus struck. At first we were okay, because the virus was in China, and we were flying to Rome. Then cases started showing up in Europe. And where in Europe? In Italy, of course. Now we watch as trains and flights are being cancelled and tourist venues are being shut down to reduce the threat of infection. My wife showed me a picture from Milan (on our itinerary) with armed guards in face masks guarding the cathedral. Now we’re wondering how much will be closed or restricted if we do go. It wouldn’t be worth it to fly there and just sit in quarantine for two weeks!

(Great! I just started sneezing while writing this!)

Second. As the reports of Italy’s growing problems came in, I thought: “Well, at least Germany is okay. We’ll arrive in Munich as planned and take the train to the play in Oberammergau.” Then Germany reported its first case of coronavirus. In Munich of course. Since then, the disease has spread so that as of this writing, Germany is second only to Italy in corona cases in Europe. I’m waiting for reports of cases in Oberammergau, or a decision by the German government to do what France has done, and ban large public gatherings. Since thousands attend each Passion Play performance, such a ban would be devastating to that town and to all the tourists/pilgrims who plan to go there.

Which would actually be ironic, since the whole reason that small Bavarian town has performed the Passion Play is because God delivered them from a plague in 1633. After first being hit hard for over a year (during which 80 citizens died), the people of the town gathered and prayed for deliverance, promising to honor Christ with a passion play every ten years if God spared them. After they prayed, the sick recovered and there were no more deaths; the townspeople honored their promise, performing the first play the next year on a stage built in the graveyard where the plague victims were buried. Ever since they have held a passion play every ten years except in 1940 due to World War II. I imagine it could be a crisis of conscience if the town were ordered to suspend the play which was promised to God for deliverance from a disease.

Third. Closer to home, last week my wife and I traveled to Florida to attend the graveside service for a 36-year old nephew who passed away suddenly at his work. Karen’s brother and his family live near Tampa, so after flying to Orlando we drove there to console them and attend the service. After that, we drove down to Sarasota, played some mini-golf there, and then went on to stay with friends in Venice (Florida, not Italy). Finally, we had dinner with my cousin and his wife in Orlando before returning home. For me, one of the good parts of the trip was a visit to Gatorland in Orlando, where Karen and I got to see a whole lot of gators and other Florida critters.

Here’s Karen, about to be devoured . . .

It was a bitter-sweet trip, though I was glad we were able to make it to a virus-free area. At least I was glad until we got home, and heard that Florida was reporting its first coronavirus cases. And where were those cases? In Tampa and Sarasota, of course.

Fourth. A news item caught my attention this week. It reported that Amazon has taken down a million products from its online catalog. Why? Because they were being sold by various people as cures for the corona virus. It’s hard enough to comprehend that Amazon has a million products to sell; even harder to think that a million of them were bogus and dishonest in just this one area. There is no natural problem, danger, or disaster that cannot be exploited by certain people to take advantage of others. There is no technology so helpful and beneficial to mankind that it cannot be misused to cheat or harm people. The sellers of such products didn’t have to be infected with corona; they were infected with the virus of greed and sin, which for them will end up being far more deadly than any virus. If anyone doubts there is sin in the world, they only have to hear of stories like this to know it’s true.

Fifth. Wednesday I went to the dentist. As I sat in the chair, I wished I had brought my face mask with me. Not that I thought I needed it to avoid infection, but I wanted to see my dentist’s reaction when I insisted he leave my mask in place while working on my teeth. (It’s only fair, considering he wears one while he works on me!) Then on my way home, I stopped in a new Chinese restaurant to take home and try one of their dishes. Chinese . . . I wonder if they could be from Wuhan . . . and so my story comes full circle.

After all this, I have sort of a fatalistic view, that if I get the virus, I get it. I don’t expect to die from it, but rather see it as an inconvenience affecting travel plans. Unfortunately, it has sickened and killed plenty of other people, and caused serious economic harm to many businesses and the people who work in them and depend on them for their livelihood. We should pray for God’s intervention, as did the people of Oberammergau, that he slows the spread of the virus and speeds the healing of those affected; that cures (real ones!) and vaccines be quickly developed and made available; that leaders avoid political judgments and work together to meet this problem; and that people turn to God for comfort and peace. It is my hope and prayer that we will be able to look back on this time and see how a threatening illness can be conquered for the blessing of the whole world.

In the meantime – stay healthy and look to the Lord for your strength!

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord look upon you with favor, and give you peace. Amen.

Read: 2 Samuel 22:1-3; Psalm 95; Psalm 103; Psalm 46