In History
Some are wondering if it is wrong or against God’s wishes for churches to meet only online. This is a very fair question. We have not faced this in living memory. But we have faced this before. In 1918, the Spanish Flu was a pandemic that threatened the world’s population. Schools, businesses and yes, churches closed their doors to protect the public.
During that time, churches provided most of the volunteers to help with burying victims, and served as temporary orderlies in the overwhelmed hospitals. Some churches even gave their buildings to the city to be used as hospitals. When we are being led by the Spirit, we act in wisdom and discernment but not in fear. Our response has been to volunteer wherever we can to deliver supplies, to make meals for others, and to figure out what people need. I am confident we are doing the work we are established by God to do.
So what about the passage that tells us to not forsake (renounce or give up) gathering together? Heb 10:25.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Gathering is VERY IMPORTANT. It is a blessing given to us by God. We as the church, historically have gathered during persecution when it was illegal and forbidden. We have always chosen to obey God. It is a sacred right as children of God. We should NEVER EVER forsake it.
That said, let me be clear… that is NOT what is happening. We are not forsaking the gathering. God has always provided a way to obey Him. He has now more than ever made it easy to stay in contact and connect and gather without being in the same room. We should be thankful for His provision, and careful not to disparage the decisions of our church elders. It’s ok to be unhappy about this. No one is more unhappy about this than your Pastors and elders. We are not making these decisions out of fear or preference. We are seeking God for guidance and sharing in the earnest desire for this to be over so we can safely gather physically again.
We as Pastors long for your hugs and we will feast on brotherly contact again soon. The church has always adjusted during times of trials and in times of persecution and in times of crisis. God provides!
In Contrast
Many youth in America right now are ignoring the social distancing that has been recommended because it doesn’t matter to them. If they get sick it will most likely be mild in comparison to older and less healthy individuals. This is a fleshly selfish response. Their gathering together puts other in more danger than themselves. We should show them how we are willing to sacrifice our fellowship and our own desires to be together in order to protect those who are at a greater risk than ourselves. We are not gathering online-only, out of fear or neglect. We are “online-only” out of respect and love for others. We need to lead in taking care of our elderly and high-risk individuals just as the church has always done.
It is not our safety we are concerned for but others. Regardless of how you interpret Heb 10:25 it must be done in light of love for others. This is the second greatest commandment.
In Context
The Hebrew passage was written to the Hebrew believers who had grown up going to the temple. Their culture was steeped in traditions and at the center was temple gathering. Paul is making it clear in this passage why it was important for them to continue to meet: To exhort or encourage one another, to stir each other up for love and good works. The physical meeting was merely a way of accomplishing this. God has provided us with many means to continue to encourage and stir one another, to love on each other and to continue in good works. Pull together family and watch what God will do!
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