Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.
To meet, or not to meet. The book of Hebrews tells us that we should not stay away from our worship meetings and some will use this as a reason to continue meeting in corporate worship. The fuller passage reads:
“And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Those planning to open the doors of the church also argue the First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion and the right of the people to peaceably assemble. Certainly corporate worship relies on both these clauses of the First Amendment.
But should the church argue for its rights under the Constitution? Shouldn’t God’s Word have primacy over legislation? When laws are passed that we don't like we're quick to jump on the passage about obeying God over man. But why did we even wait for elected leaders to mandate that we should do the smart thing? They even started with recommendations but those went largely ignored.
Going back to the beginning of that passage from Hebrews and its command to not stay away from corporate worship: “Let us be concerned about one another…”. Is endangering the lives of others truly expressive of concern for them? Is that a demonstration of love and good works? Moreover, most churches have police officers on their campuses since concern over active shooters has become a daily reality. Are we going to expect them to protect us from active shooters while we endanger their health and their lives by potentially exposing them to this virus?
Now let’s go back to the passage above; Romans 13:1-2. Submit to governing authorities.
We complain about our elected and appointed leaders far more than we pray for them. When they try to enact legislation in an effort to stop the spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly virus we either think they are not doing enough or they are overreacting. So while they are trying to do what is right, we’re leaving common-sense at home while we go out. Do you really need enforced legislation to do what is right?
I am going to miss Easter morning service. It is my favorite holiday and there is nothing more somber, more reflective, than worshipping our risen Lord. I love sunrise services especially here in Florida where many are held on a beach. But the responsible thing to do is to sacrifice for the greater good of all. After all, while we still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly, that’s us. (Rom 5:8) God is not asking all of us to give up our lives for the well-being of others--He has called some to that level of sacrifice--but is it too much to ask to be inconvenienced?
I don’t have an answer to the question, “Why did God allow this to happen?” But, maybe, just maybe, He held the virus back until the technology was available that allows us to worship, shop, and meet without leaving our homes. Plus, if you’re watching a live stream from the comfort of your own home, who’s going to know when you nod off during the service? Worship from home. Watch the Passion. Watch the Greatest Story Ever Told. There is no shortage of faith-based films to help you reflect on the cost of your salvation.
