ALL THINGS ARE NOT EXPEDIENT!

Sunday, March 22,2020

ALL THINGS ARE NOT EXPEDIENT!

1 Cor 6:12

12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

           Paul was, in context, talking about eating meats which had been offered to idols. His conclusion was that to do so was not a big deal. The idol wouldn’t eat the meats so they were sold at market. Unsuspecting believers felt sullied when they discovered they had eaten of the meats and wondered if they had lost some of their purity or integrity. But I am in danger of taking too much time on that which is not my major point.

           Please stay home from church! This has been the headline for a few days. It just seems wrong. I’ve had to cancel a visiting speaker and scramble to find ways to keep the flock spiritually fed and connected in worship. We were caught by surprise and we are working hard to catch up. We weren’t ready to “live stream” our services online and I wasn’t prepared to preach to a room full of empty pews. But we are working on that.

           I’ve been slammed pretty hard for canceling today’s church services while others have congratulated me for thinking of the safety of the people. It is hard to follow the push and pull. Balanced and reasonable responses are being investigated by every pastor and Christian I know. We have never seen this before.

           Is it a law? So far, the recommendation to close churches during this pandemic is just that. It is a recommendation. But one source says that New York City has seen one death per hour due to the Covid-19 virus. It is still lawful to congregate but it may not be expedient.

           Watch out for each other! The phones still work. Social media is up and running. Especially pay attention to the elderly and sick. Think of those who are going through this alone. Call and enjoy a long talk. If you are young and healthy, volunteer to deliver needed supplies. Wash your hands! Follow the guidelines. We will get through this.

Mal 3:16

16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Dear Lord, church has suddenly become very important. Lord, our heart is to be in your holy place. Mark us present. AMEN