Pastor's Letter concerning COVID-19

Beloved in Christ,


Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3). Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33). Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). These are the blessed Words and Promises of Christ Jesus our Lord, Words and Promises for you who are baptized into Christ, Words and Promises that you would do well to remember and trust in each and every day that God grants you life in this fallen world. 


As you know the Word of God creates and defines all reality, gives us knowledge about God and things that otherwise would remain hidden, makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. The Word of God does not reveal all truth to us, but the Word of God does teach us all the truth that we need in order to be saved. God’s Word is faithful, true, and trustworthy even as God Himself is. The Lord Jesus Christ is no liar, rather He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only way to the Father (John 14:6). St. Paul writes: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

 

The sudden onset of COVID-19 caused a lot of fear and confusion for all people and institutions. We were told that an unprecedented emergency and global pandemic was upon us. People of goodwill have sought to respond to the crisis in helpful and reasonable ways, be they governing officials, scientists, physicians, citizens, or congregations. However, unlike God and His Word, none of us are infallible. Our God-given gift of reason has limits. Furthermore, our reason and understanding have been tainted and corrupted by sin. There is much that we don’t know and much that we get wrong. Governing officials, scientists, physicians, citizens, and congregations are all sinners—naturally selfish, with ideas, values, goals, and beliefs that are contrary to the Word of God. Upon review, there have been plenty of good and bad responses to COVID-19. No matter what governing officials, scientists, physicians, citizens, and other congregations decide, suggest, or mandate, we as Christians are bound to the teaching of God’s Word, people and pastor. 

 

As the servant of Christ, called to preach and teach God’s Word and administer the Holy Sacraments according to Christ’s institution to you, the dear people of God in Christ at Bethel Lutheran Church, I have followed Christ’s mandate to make His Word and Sacraments available to you every Lord’s Day and others. In Christian love for the safety of all, we gathered in only groups of ten or less to receive the gifts of Christ, then we returned to one service and spaced ourselves. For a time we have not knelt at Holy Communion or kept hymnals in the pews. For a time I asked you all to consider wearing masks in the Divine Service. However, the time for these things is at an end. It is now the time for us to return to the normal that Christ has given us to do; this includes singing, which the wearing of masks has impeded— Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). If you want to wear a mask and socially distance, of course you have the freedom in Christ to do so. However, as your Pastor, I can no longer ask you to consider to do such things, for the time of emergency, when the normal order of things gets interrupted by necessity, has passed. 

 

Yes, people do get sick and die from COVID-19, as people get sick and die from a great number of sicknesses and diseases. Yes, some people may be more susceptible than others to the negative effects of the virus, including death. But according to the CDC numbers, the total death rate of those infected is less than 2%, which means 98% of all people infected with the virus in the U.S. go on living. COVID-19 is not nearly as deadly as other diseases and plagues that Christians have had to endure previously. The current trend of infections and deaths is dropping—probably because the virus is running its course as viruses do, also because of those with natural built up immunity, and because of the vaccines that many have gotten. 

 

It is impossible to hold public worship with zero risk to physical health, but not to gather for public worship entails far graver dangers of a spiritual nature, ultimately falling from faith in Christ. If you get out of your house to work, shop or eat, then you can find a way to safely gather with the saints and receive the gifts of Christ in the Divine Service. The Lord wills that you gather where He has promised to be present with His gifts. He wants to give you His body and blood, given and shed for the forgiveness of your sins. The Lord wills your life and salvation. Jesus said: Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him (John 6:54-56). 

 

I know many of you have a number of fears, worries, and anxieties. Therefore, be encouraged with these Words and Promises of Christ— And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:28-31). Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). 

 

In Christ,

Pastor Josh

 

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