Faithful Wounds

Proverbs 27:6 ESV

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Once again it had happened. His children had chosen to prank their sitter and then ran off. After finding them and, through miraculous means, find another sitter both parents begin life as usual. Yet, the day at work goes poorly, followed by a sense of disruption at home. Then comes the pivotal moment on a “take your children to work day” when he loses his job, and with it his self-respect. In the course of time it becomes evident it was all masterminded by the “sitter” he had found. The chaotic home and loss of job all brought about by the infamous, Mary Poppins!

While under quarantine many, including our family, have been watching more TV and movies. While my children watched, this thought began to mull in my mind; “Is Mary Poppins Evil?” or at most “Why do non accuse her of such?” Even with all that she does to Mr. Banks, through her conniving and manipulation, none seem to attribute evil to her, why? It is quite simply, you may say, she has his best in mind. He was losing his children, and even the lose of his job, and peace in his home, were only incidental and short compared to that which was gained, and he gained even more in the end anyway. To this I would agree with you and yet, this is not the standard used of God by our culture.

As we look at the “evils” that befall us in this momentary life, many use them to decry and assault God’s, Goodness, Omniscience, Sovereignty, and Power. Even as he plainly tells us he has our best in mind and plainly tells us what great and wonderful things he has in store for those who love him. So great and so good that we can’t even imagine them, we are told. Yet, this does not seem to avail the constant criticism of him. Our world prefers “the kisses of an enemy” to the faithful “wounds of a friend.” In the end this is what we see in the Proverb. God, our friend, faithfully loving us and wounding/chastising us as needed. WE also see the kisses of Judas coming, offering peace with this world, economic prosperity assured by the government. Let us avoid wisdom and sound business practices. Forget the ups and downs and throw caution to the wind, knowing that our Uncle Sam will save us and assure us of no need to save for the rainy day. Let us all live in Southern California. Yet, even Albert Hammond will tell you that it pours, even in Southern California!

“Thus, if we may judge by the event, not only do believers, come off safe, from every contest, so as to be ready, after a short repose, to descend again into the arena,…” (John Calvin, Institutes 3.2.21) As we look at unsure days ahead let us not forget that Christ is the friend of the believer and has given us faithful wounds for the time, that we might descend once again into the arena.

I have heard of couples choosing to delay weddings due to the current mandates against large gatherings. Quoting the lose of the “specialness” of the situation without the crowd and the fear of infecting the elder persons who wish to be present. Even as I see this I note that others are choosing to go online with “worship live” Sunday morning events. I see this situation and I do believe we have them backwards. Paul tells us if we can not marry, we should do so, but we are given leave if we burn with passion, as a means to avoid SIN. Christian weddings are not to PRIMARILY be about gathering and celebrating or making fun memories, they are to be about AVOIDING SIN. As such you should marry with few present and enjoy the blessing of building a wall against sin in your lives, if your don’t’ need said wall then you shouldn’t be marrying in the 1^st place.

Then I come to the church. What is a church? Believers met together under the preaching of God’s word. The word we translate as church, ecclesia, means assembly, quite simply you CAN’T do church online, you are not assembled together, by definition you(singular) are not a church.

There is much that must be done, in avoiding sin. As we shore up false doctrine, and practice the mortification of sin in our daily lives. A Pastor publishing his sermon or providing devotional content to help believers grow as they are absent from the assembly may be the prudent and wise direction for the elders to take, but let us not deceive ourselves into believing that a group of people tuning in online is church. That is giving straw to animals instead of hay. It may fill their stomachs, but it will not nourish. So too, “church” practiced online, may stop the hunger pains, but it will not provide what is necessary for the flourishing of the Christian walk.

Given all that is being said and debated at the moment. I do not know what precise direction we will take going forward. From all appearance we are headed for a longer than desired absence from the assembly. Please pray for the Elders as we gather together this coming Sunday to determine what direction is needed to continue to nourish and nurture the growth of Christ in those believers under our care.

Deo Volente