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Bowing to Caesar
March 2, 2020

I stopped by our Church office last week, only to find out Sunday Services had been cancelled. In my frustration/anger I blurted out, “Now our Church is bowing to Caesar”. Unfortunately, or rector overheard my “comment” and came out of his office at once. I immediately felt I had made a mistake, but for the life of me I could not see why.
Then my Son said, “Dad, if you go to Church knowing there could be a deadly virus there, isn’t that just like the snake handlers who pick up poisonous snakes “knowing” that God will protect them?”
And there was my answer. I am not going to Church to “test” God, nor do I want an infected visitor to spread this through the congregation – then throughout the entire city. How is that a witness to Jesus? How would I reach them for salvation if they are dying at my expense?
So, there it is: I will “never” let the mayor, governor, nor president say we cannot have Church. This is a president I never want to encourage. However, I also do not want to “test” God – especially when I know what I can do to help. Therefore, I will do my part – for the sake of the unsaved in my community – and stay away from congregating for a while. But if this drags out . . . I hope we hold open the option to reconsider at any time. This is tricky, and principles are important.
Never bow to Caesar, and never test God - - - it’s all in the balance.