Is There A Cure?
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This devotion is also available on YouTube
It seems like we are all bombarded with the news of the coronavirus. My inbox is literally flooded with emails as businesses and organizations struggle to exist during these unprecedented restrictions.
There is also the panic buying. Items like hand sanitizer, canned goods, and yes — toilet paper. Social distancing is now mandated across the US and some governors have issued “stay at home” orders for their people. Hershey Co. has even canceled ads of its Hugs and Kisses chocolates that feature human interaction.
In today’s devotion, I want to draw our attention to another virus that is not being covered on national news. This virus has been ongoing for much longer than the coronavirus and its effects have proved much more deadly. The similarities to this coronavirus are striking. I want us to look at Revelation 2:4 but first, let’s look at the church that God is addressing.
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
Revelation 2:2-3
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
The church was commended for several traits that we should all strive for. Apparently, they were hard-working, patient people and they did all of this work in the name of the Lord. But in verse four He addresses the virus that had spread throughout the congregation:
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Revelation 2:4
Jesus uses a sobering word here – nevertheless, which means “despite all of that.” In spite of all the good works and patient labor, you have left ME.
The Distancing
The current pandemic has created a new phenomenon that is referred to as social distancing. This is having a devastating effect on weddings, birth of children, funerals, etc. Families that we know personally cannot be with their loved ones as they are quarantined in hospitals.
But can we look at the spiritual distancing that has been plaguing the church for so long? People who once had a fervent relationship with the Lord have been progressively distancing themselves from Him. It reminds me of Peter who followed the Lord afar off. He wanted to experience the Lord’s presence but he did not want the consequences of being a follower. Friend if there is a distance between you and the Lord, I can assure you that He didn’t move. It’s up to me and you to return back to Him!
The Closings
The coronavirus has forced many organizations to close their doors. Restaurants, hotels, stadiums, and churches have all been affected. While these closings may be in effect for several months, churches have already been closing down at the rate of 3,000 to 7,000 per year. That boils down to 57 to 134 churches per week!
In one of our revival meetings last year, we met a family who was driving four hours round trip to be in each nightly service. The husband shared with tears that their church had closed its doors, leaving them with no Bible-beliving church to attend in their area.
Now with all of these church closings, a pastor friend recently shared that he is gravely concerned for his church once the restrictions are lifted. How many people will actually show back up to their places of worship? These are sobering issues but they demand our attention and more importantly, our prayers!
The Cure
Oh but let me share the good news with you! Our devotion title asks the question: Is There A Cure? This current pandemic may not have a cure but for the church, praise be unto God, there is a cure! In the middle of His rebuke, the Lord gives us the cure in verse 5:
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelation 2:5 (KJV)
Let’s look at the keywords here:
- REMEMBER
Remember the relationship that you one time had with God. Recall the sweet communion that you had with the Lord before your priorities changed — away from Him. Again, can I remind you that God is where He has always been, waiting on us to return unto Him! - REPENT
Christians do not like to hear this word directed at them. But if we are to overcome this virus, the prescribed antidote of repentance must be taken in its full dosage. This is not a generic prescription! Repentance is not merely a sad feeling of remorse. It is a change of attitude and a change in conduct. - FIRST WORKS
How did you conduct yourself when you first gave your heart to Christ? Your worldview was different, Your attitude was different. And here’s what hits us all between the eyes — Our priorities were different! Prior to all of the closings, the American church has been a distracted church. Let us all go back and embrace our first works!
Dear Christian, if Revelation chapter two has been a mirror for you today, I encourage you to quarantine yourself to your prayer closet. Ask our Great Physician for the antidote that will cure this spiritual pandemic. My prayer for you is that when the coronavirus restrictions are lifted, you will be renewed, refilled and refired! Is there a cure? Oh yes, there is and let the healing begin in you!