We thank God for blessing us with a meaningful time of worship at our recent Watchnight Service. Due to the pandemic curbs, we had to keep our distance and refrain from singing. Despite these safety measures and the seemingly bleak Covid-19 situation, the gathering was warm as everyone looked forward to another year of God’s goodness and grace.
Thanksgiving Testimonies
As per Berith tradition, our brethren testified of God’s merciful dealings with them in 2021. Generally they spoke of God’s sustaining grace through another difficult year. A few shared of the Lord’s goodness in providing them with new jobs and new homes.
One brother spoke of the challenges in the ministry. But he thanked God for His words of encouragement in I Peter 4: 12-14. Despite his struggles, he can rejoice as a partaker “of Christ’s sufferings”. Though he may be “evil spoken of”, Christ “is glorified”. A sister shared of her daily trials at work with her supervisor. As she committed her cares to the Lord, He has been moulding her life and helping her to cope with difficult situations. Another sister shared of God’s provision of a new job and a new home – something quite amazing in these uncertain times. All glory and praise to the Lord for His rich blessings upon each of us.
Message
My exhortation from God’s Word was on the topic: “A Fresh Look at the Pandemic”:
1. Is the pandemic – God’s judgment upon the world?
Is the coronavirus a pestilence sent by God to judge our sinful and rebellious world? I believe it is. Besides other calamities mentioned in Scriptures, the word, “pestilence” was used to describe the contagious cattle disease which God inflicted upon the Egyptians in Exodus 9: 3. Significantly, the Bible often speaks of pestilences as God’s judgment for sin and disobedience rather than as a natural phenomenon.
The world we live in is not unlike that of Noah’s day. Because of men’s wickedness, God sent a global flood to destroy the earth more than 4,000 years ago. The time may be ripe now for God’s judgment of the world because of sin. But can the pandemic also be God’s merciful act to turn men unto Him? When life is so uncertain, and when hearts are filled with fear and panic (Lk 21: 26), people may begin to reflect on life’s meaning and brevity, death and eternity. Let us pray that even in judgment, the Lord will show mercy. Pray that many will repent and turn to God.
2. We are kept by God’s mercies
The world may be crumbling under God’s wrath right now, but we who belong to the Lord have nothing to fear. The pandemic is from the hand of our merciful God. In the midst of turmoil, we thank the Lord that we come under His blessed care. Even in the worst of calamities, God keeps us safe. In Psalm 46, the psalmist speaks of the seemingly overwhelming forces of nature. But he found comfort and security in God: “God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (vv 1-2).
3. Give thanks to God
Like everyone else in the world, we face disruptions and curbs. Despite the safety measures, we in Singapore have many things to be thankful for. Let me share a few:
a. Our country’s leaders. Their decisions to manage the virus may not be perfect. But they do their best in these difficult and trying times based on their available data. Instead of complaining, let us understand that they are in an unenviable position. Comply cheerfully with their directives and pray for our leaders to manage the unstable situation for our safety and protection (Rom 13: 1-5; I Pet 2: 13-14; I Tim 2: 1-4).
b. The church. We thank God for His grace as we make adjustments based on our government’s advisories. Although we cannot sing or fellowship, we are grateful that we can still meet physically for worship. God willing, we look forward to the day when we can meet normally again.
c. Our ability to adapt to the safety measures, one of which is the wearing of masks – which we initially found “unbearable” due to our humid weather. We have also adapted to going out only when necessary. Staying home can be a blessing as it gives us more time with our families.
d. Our cultivation of good habits like compliance, a sense of civic and social responsibility, and good hand hygiene. May we continue to cultivate not only healthy physical habits but spiritual habits as well. Spend time with the Lord in prayer and His Word. Put away all sinful habits. Maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
e. A fresh appreciation of what we took for granted previously – the freedom to move around, spend time with loved ones and friends, sing hymns and enjoy fellowship in church.
4. Beware of the sin pandemic
The coronavirus is a destructive and deadly disease that has brought the sinful world to its knees. It has caused endless woes. But nothing can be compared with the pandemic of sin which has infected the whole world: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3: 23). At most, the virus can take away our life. But without salvation in Christ Jesus, sin results in eternal damnation of the soul: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6: 23; cf Mk 8: 36).
Brethren, let us not take God’s grace for granted. If we have been living carelessly, without regard to the Lord, let us turn back unto Him today. Do not live like the world. The people of Noah’s day were caught unawares “when the flood came, and destroyed them all” (Lk 17: 27). While the door of grace is still open, let us seek the Lord while He may be found (Isa 55: 6).
We believe the current pandemic is a prelude to the soon return of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let us prepare ourselves to meet our Lord. Do not be like the wicked servant in Luke 12: 45 who “say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming” and did wickedly. Rather, let us live circumspectly. Resolve to love and honour the Lord.
At this time of the year, it is appropriate to consider the brevity of our lives. Our time on earth will end soon – either in death or by Christ’s return. Strive to spend our remaining days here wisely. Like Moses, let us pray that the Lord will “teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps 90: 12).
- Pastor