THE STREAM/ Michael Brown-
You’ve heard these words before, taken from the Book of Deuteronomy. They are especially well known because Jesus quoted them to the devil himself when He was being tempted in the wilderness. Jesus said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (see Deuteronomy 6:16, quoted in Matthew 4:7). But what, exactly, does this mean, and how does it apply to Christians and the coronavirus?
On Easter Sunday, a pastor in Louisiana defied the state’s ban on large gatherings, calling his congregation to meet together in celebration. They were not going to be intimidated by a virus. The government was not going to shut them down.
Now, it is reported that the church’s lawyer, who was present in recent church gatherings, is battling COVID-19. Another parishioner’s has now died, allegedly of the virus, although the pastor disputes this.
“God is Larger Than This Dreaded Virus” is True
On March 22, a highly respected pastor in Virginia defied his state’s guidelines, calling his congregation together.
During the service, he pointed out proudly that there were more than 10 people present, encouraging them to greet one another freely. He also proclaimed that “God is larger than this dreaded virus.”
His proclamation was certainly true. God is infinitely larger than this virus or any virus.
Unfortunately, this greatly loved pastor has since passed away, another victim of COVID-19. At present, four other family members have tested positive.
His daughter, one of those infected, is now urging others to follow the state’s safety guidelines.
What is the lesson here? Continue reading…
