The Pandemic: What Cost To The Testimony

The Pandemic: What Cost?

I need to ask a question that has troubled me from the beginning of the Covid pandemic. I am not sure if I really have the courage to do so but feel it must be done! "Who authorised all the suspensions, and the many subsequent closures, of the testimonies of local Assemblies in the U.K. and worldwide? A vociferous minority? A prominent or dominant brother? The Government? The Local Authority? Because it certainly was not the Lord of the Assemblies!

I have heard so many reasons, or rather excuses, used to justify such actions. Even the many Scriptures quoted, none of which should be used in the light of the clearest Word spoken by the Lord Jesus in this scene, Himself living in a land of foreign occupation which demanded unconditional obedience to its supreme ruler, Caeser. 

"Render ther5efore unto Caeser the things which are Caeser's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25.

The Holy Spirit has determined that this principle be divinely emphasised by directing three different authors to pen it in their Gospel accounts! In those books that set forth the Lord Jesus as Sovereign, Servant, and Son of Man.

it surely begs the question, "Since when has the State determined the principles and practices of the Assemblies of God's believing people?" The answer apparently is "Since the outbreak of Covid, and until now!"

For over three years Assemblies have closed either temporarily or permanently. Whilst in the face of desperation, fear, and hopelessness, myriads suffered because there were no comforters, counselors, or any to offer sympathy. The doors to our Halls and Rooms remained firmly shut. 

I know of just two Assemblies while believing there were many more, who continued to meet as was their wont. And not a single saint contracted COVID-19, while I personally know of numerous believers who hid away for protracted periods of time and succumbed to the disease; some more than once! I know that is not substantial evidence for my argument, but it warrants some consideration.

I truly fear that the damage done by our corporate failure to seize such a favorable opportunity to witness a good confession before men and to herald the Glad Tidings amidst failing hearts will never be remedied. Oh, how I hope to be proved mistaken!