The Mayor of Indianapolis has placed travel restrictions on those in Marion County, Indiana. All non-essential travel is discouraged. The Federal Government has recommended that no group of more than ten gather. These restrictions and recommendations are given to try to slow down the coronavirus that is affecting people in this country. This is especially beneficial to the 60 and older group who may or may not have underlying health issues. It is also to encouraged that the younger people try not to be carriers of that which may harm others.
Even if these recommendations are changed to restrictive laws, should Christians violate these laws? Do these laws go contrary to God’s law to assemble with the saints on the Lord’s day? We certainly ought to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). But if these recommendations are made laws, would Christians be wrong to violate them in order to assemble?
First, Christians are commanded to meet together to worship on the Lord’s day. However, Christians can still meet in small groups of fewer than ten to carry out the command to assemble. Some early churches met in the homes of individuals to worship (Acts 12:12; Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:19). The recommendation/law does not prohibit Christians from assembling to worship in small groups. If it did, then we would have to obey heaven’s law rather than man’s law. A small group can carry out all the acts of worship – singing, praying, studying, observing the Lord’s supper and giving just as the Lord teaches. We hope that this arrangement does not last long, but we do not know.
Second, the observance of meeting in groups of ten or fewer is practicing the Golden Rule
(Matt. 7:12). In consideration of my brothers and sisters in Christ and my fellowman, I should not gather in a large crowd (John 13:34-35). If I were a carrier of the virus and did not know it, I could pass it on to someone else who has underlying health issues and cause him or her to contract the virus. Out of love for my fellowman, I should be responsible enough to avoid being in a large crowd or traveling when not necessary (Matt. 22:39).
Third, it is rendering “unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto to God the
things that are God’s” to observe these recommendations (Matt. 22:21). We are to be subject unto the powers that be (Rom. 13:1-7). The government, having been ordained of God, is for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of them who do well (1 Peter 2:14). In this case, it is for our good that we adhere to the recommendations of the government.
Fourth, John wrote, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 2.) John was concerned for the overall being of Gaius – his fiscal well-being, his physical well-being and his spiritual well-being. We, also, should be concerned for every member of the body of Christ, especially the family of God at Shelbyville Road here in Indianapolis. During these trying times, we encourage all members to keep in touch with each other by whatever means one has at his disposal. The writer of Hebrews said, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13.)
Fifth, there were trying circumstances for those Christians in the early years of the church. Due to persecutions, they had to meet secretly or privately. In fact, today in China it against the law for Christians to meet; so, they have to meet secretly to carry out the Lord’s will. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13.) With Lord’s help, we can get through this. Often men leading prayers in our assemblies will thank our heavenly Father for our being able to assemble without fear of molestation or attack. We pray that soon we can again express our thanks for the Lord’s allowing us to come together as God’s family at Shelbyville Road. Pray for our country, and that this virus might be defeated. Pray for every member of the household of faith. Pray for the sick that God’s healing hand will be with them. Keep in touch.