The Christian Response to Crisis

Our city, state, country, and world are facing uncharted waters with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. I want to personally encourage everyone to adhere to the direction of local and federal authorities to help mitigate the spread of this virus. We know the country has been ordered to refrain from gatherings beyond 10 people, which has impacted our norm for Sunday morning. But I’m reminding everyone watching and listening, that Jesus told us that the authentic worshippers GOD seeks are those who worship him in spirit and truth. Understand then that you are not forsaking the assembly as describes, for they were contemplating leaving faith in Jesus altogether due to persecution. Therefore it is no harm or foul that you are worshipping in spirit wherever you are. And while we desire that everyone will be together in person again soon, temporarily we will be worshipping in spirit together virtually.

In light of these things, the question that has been ringing in my mind is “With the magnitude of such rapid chaos, how does the child of GOD/disciple of Jesus/citizen of heaven respond to such an epidemic?” Well in addition to adhering to local and federal law, remember that there’s nothing new under the sun’s radiance. So we have many examples from bible history that address this current and similar circumstances. The one we’re going to examine and which I will make application from this morning is . It is from this passage that I want all who are listening to know “The Christian Response to Crisis”. A crisis is an intense time of difficulty or danger. And that’s exactly what COVID-19 has presented to our world.

The background to our passage really begins in where it covers the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a great king whose heart was closely knit to GOD, unlike so many other kings of Judah. He was amongst the top 5 kings of Judah, with the way he reformed or changed Jerusalem’s religious and social culture to respect GOD, increased job opportunities, established better security, and implemented righteous judges and GOD’s law. He had his mistakes, but he was humbled and returned to GOD. Therefore GOD was with him and strongly established his rule. Nonetheless, there came a day that Jehoshaphat received a report that an alliance of nations (Moab, Ammon, and Edom) were coming to fight against him and they were just 35 miles away. This was a very real threat on the lives of Jehoshaphat and all of Judah, and it was out of nowhere. And although he was a great and courageous king, verse 3 brings reality home because it says he was afraid.

Application: One of the reasons I just love the word of GOD is because it is so authentic for humanity. You and I can be brave with so many endeavors in our lives, and it’s that one situation that makes us afraid. It is a natural human response to something that threatens our lives. However, while the thought of threat initially gives us fear, we don’t have to settle in fear or panic.

Verse 3 also says that he resolved in his mind to give full attention to talk to or inquire the Lord about this circumstance. Not to just get information, but to bring about removal of his fear and distress.

Application: Fear and panic are common responses to crisis, but they are ones we want to overcome. The first step to overcoming fear is prayer! It is reaching out to the almighty GOD, whom we have a great privilege of communicating with through his son Jesus! Notice, that with such a great threat on the land of Judah, it’s not just Jehoshaphat praying, but they were all in together to pray. That’s what’s needed, right now today and moving forward, is that the community, country, and beyond reach out to GOD during this crisis!!!

Well what is it about prayer that’s going to help us (children of GOD) and what should I talk to GOD about? In Jehoshaphat’s prayer, he describes the character of GOD which gives high regard to GOD for who he is, but is a reminder for humanity. He mentions his position, preeminence, and possession of power in verse 6. Then he speaks of GOD’s protection, provision, and promises for his people in verses 7 thru 9.

Application: When we talk to GOD about these things, we give him credit he deserves for who he is and what he’s already done! But we remind ourselves about these things for our benefit and to set the stage for our heartfelt request. When you and I remember his character, we realize that he’s unchanging. When we remember his past actions, we realize he can and will do what he’s already done!! Verse 9 is a scriptural reminder of his promises, and within it he mentions pestilence which is a disease epidemic that threatens life. This and other threats, GOD has promised to hear us when we urgently call on him and save his people!!!

Jehoshaphat then moves to the specifics of their present circumstances and tells GOD the who and what that’s presenting the threat. What is the threat? The size of this army and enemy could drive them out of Jerusalem. That included destroying businesses, families, capturing children, misusing women, killing the men. What is his plea? GOD will you make a judicial decision from heaven against this threat! GOD please intercede! The reason for the request is their powerlessness or inability to fight against such a great army. And we don’t know what to do, meaning they lacked wisdom or prudence for this emergent circumstance. Thus they placing full dependence on GOD!

Application: This is a plea for GOD’s power and wisdom to take over. When we are faced with dire and dangerous challenges, the reason panic and fear arises is because we can’t control anything and we have no idea what to do. This is a strong example of how we can move from fear to faith, surrender ourselves and all things to GOD! Remember James says if we lack wisdom, ask GOD and he will give it to us generously! I believe GOD has given us wisdom through instructions from the authorities. And I believe he will continue giving us wisdom to continue ministry for all saints and this community.

This is a great example of a nation’s leader relying on GOD and the entire nation joining him. As they were together, GOD’s Spirit spoke through one of the Levites, and GOD gave them instructions and assurance. In summary GOD repeatedly says: don’t be afraid - this battle isn’t yours; position yourselves to fight - but you don’t need to fight; face them - the Lord is with you.

Application: When we demonstrate faith, we move from fear to prayer, and then we rely on prophetic hope. That hope for us is contained in all of the word that the Spirit has given us. This is the Lord’s fight! His presence is always with his children, even in the midst of this epidemic! This is one of the reasons I and other committed preachers and teachers of the Word have such responsibility, because we all need constant assurance of what GOD says in relation to such matters. And I will continue, as the Lord wills, to give you GOD’s word of encouragement in these times.

After receiving and believing in the prophetic word from GOD, the entire assembly fell down in worship to GOD. Then they stood up to praise him with a loud voice. This is very interesting, because the threat was still alive! Nothing about the crisis had changed! But because GOD is faithful in all things toward his people, and they have faith in him and his word, it motivated them to worship and praise him in the midst of the crisis.

Assembly: The next response in midst of a crisis is praise! Note this though, we will not respond in praise if we don’t believe his word of assurance! Here’s the Spirit’s assurance through the Apostle Paul in , am sure that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of GOD in Christ Jesus our Lord! Do you believe that? If so, it should fill our hearts with praise toward GOD!

How do we as children of GOD respond in crisis? It is a matter of moving from fear to faith. How is that achieved: prayer that recognizes and reminds us of GOD’s position, preeminence, power, protection, and promises; prayer for intercession and wisdom; prophetic hope found in the word of GOD; and praise to GOD based on faith in his word.