Our local churches have decided the loving, most responsible thing to do is cancel services for a safer, virus-free alternative of online worship. We, at His Way, joined this practice last Sunday by getting our residents together for an online streamed service.
As I sat through this service, I noticed the parallels between our current, imminent enemy (a virus) and our constant spiritual enemy, Satan. One that prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (I Peter 5:8) yet is invisible. His roar silent and his fangs unseen. As spiritual people, trapped in earthly bodies, our senses have a difficult time detecting the spiritual invaders to which we are ever vulnerable. We, at times, create tangible enemies to focus our fight, yet we are warned by the Apostle Paul that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of this dark world (Ephesians 6:12). So how do we go about defending ourselves against such invisible maliciousness?
The same way we are now. We practice good spiritual hygiene. We distance ourselves against infectious influences and keep ourselves and our environment clean. James (chapter 4) encourages us to "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." James also encourages the practice of personal confession and prayer as a key to good spiritual health (5:16).
However, one of our most critical defenses against spiritual viruses is the fellowship of believers in the taking of communion.
Paul warns in I Corinthians 11:28 - 31, "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged."
So, this remembrance meal as mentioned in I Corinthians, is our best defense against spiritual weakness. Without it, we are vulnerable as the "at risk" group for illness and even death.
As this mysterious, invisible virus continues to spread and infect our society, I am thankful I can still gather with my family and those closest to me to participate in the antidote to the more pressing spiritual virus of sin, the Lord's Supper.
Tom Reynolds
Director of Ministry & Chairman of the Board
Note:"Social Distancing" is quite a challenge for the approximately 50 men living on the His Way campus. Just like other homes, businesses, and churches, we're adapting to a new set of rules and guidelines. In the picture above, you'll notice the men spread all throughout our Community Outreach Center with just a few per table.
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