Not in Our Lifetime

by Jeff Curtis

     We facing uncertain times in our country and the world. The Coronavirus, Covid-19, has us as both Americans and as Christians thinking about several different things.

     I want to urge caution in how we interact with others. The government, both local and national, has issued guidelines for us to follow. These are unprecedented. The country hasn’t faced anything like this since the Spanish Flu in the early 1900’s.

     The Spanish flu (also known as the 1918 flu pandemic) was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic. Lasting from January 1918 to December 1920, it infected 500 million people—about a quarter of the world's population at the time. The death toll is estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history (Wikipedia).

     The current pandemic has a government mandate, no one is to gather in groups larger than ten. This has caused mixed reactions among people, especially Christians.

     I have read and listened to brethren, preachers and others discussing and debating the subject of assembling. Several Christians are citing Hebrews 10:25, which says; “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” I understand the passage to be speaking about those who were, at that time, not assembling with the saints because of political persecution. These Christians were threatened with death, if they continued to worship. This pandemic and the mandate from our government is not threat of death because we are worshipping.

     This mandate is a strong urging from our President, Governor and others in political office, asking us to not assemble, so as to not make our members sick. Sick with a potentially deadly virus.

     The same brethren that are advocating the “assembly” are the same brethren, I assume love the members of God’s house. After all, the same Hebrew writer that us not to forsake the assembly, also tells us to “Let brotherly love continue,” “…since you yourselves are in the body also” (Heb. 13:1).

     I get the command to assemble, I do. Yet, if I have the flu or some other contagion, am I rebuked for missing the assembly? Or do we praise the individual for using good judgment, so as to not make some else sick?

     I fully believe in NOT forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. I really felt odd Sunday not assembling together with the saints. But this mandate is not a persecution.

    Those in authority have a difficult job. I’m not speaking of the civil government. I am speaking instead of elders or when no elders, men making the decision to not assemble. When the decision, this or any other, is made, some people will not be happy. But we are subject to their judgments. After all, we selected these men to serve as our spiritual leaders.

    Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy in 1Timothy 5:17; “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” They are the spiritual leaders in the church. They rule to help guide, feed, shelter or protect the flock. We are to submit to this rule.

     The Hebrew writer also says in chapter 13:17; “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” They have a job that is already difficult, why should try to make it harder.

     If we can just show brotherly love toward one another at this time, it will be something we can overcome. Let’s be patient. Let’s continue to love the Lord. Continue to read His Word. Continue to pray. Continue to check on those who made need us during this crisis. If we can all stay calm and be patient, we will overcome this.

Remember:

Check on the shut ins. Check on each other. Just a phone call can make a world of difference. You have plenty of time right to call and talk.

Remember to keep a check on the website. (churchateastside.com)

Remember you can mail your contribution to the Post Office box. Eastside church of Christ P.O. Box 2753 Shelbyville TN 37162

The 23 Psalm

by Jeff Curtis

The 23^rd Psalm is one of the most quoted passages in all of the Bible. Often one of the first memory verses for us when we were young, and quoted by the older and used at funerals to comfort grieving friends and family. This Psalm really isn’t about death, instead, it is about living. Daily activities such as eating, drinking, and seeking security are out into a God-centered perspective. It shows each if us in need of a “shepherd,” for God’s guidance and aid, as well as a close relationship with Him. It is a Psalm of trust and confidence.

Let’s notice some things about the Psalm.

    This Psalm declares the happiness or blessedness of the man who God protects and cares for. It is a Psalm of complete trust, with no pleas made.

    In this Psalm, we see that God is referenced. The Lord is my shepherd. If one declares this truth; it means that the Lord owns you and controls your life. He commands and we listen to His voice and obey His commands.

    The main message of the Psalm is, “I shall not want.” With the Lord as shepherd, His sheep lack for nothing. The Apostle Paul wrote the same idea in Philippians 4:19.

    There is an interesting fact about sheep. They won’t lie down when they are hungry. But, when they have eaten and are full, they will lie down in the abundant grass.

    He leads me by the still waters. Sheep farmers and herders tell us that sheep won’t drink from rushing, roaring streams. In the mountains of Palestine, shepherds often had to dam mountain streams to provide still water for the sheep. Still waters bring peace of mind, calmness, and serenity. Again, we see the same principle taught in the New Testament (Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27).

    He restores my soul. When does a sheep need to be restored? In raising sheep, a “cast sheep” is one that has gotten down and can’t get up on its own. Without help it could easily die in that position. So, it’s a beautiful thought for a Christian, who can “get down” either in spirit or through sinful behavior and not able to get up without help. In Luke 15 Jesus tells the story of the man with the 100 sheep who leaves the 99 to rescue or restore the one lost.

    The word “restores” is a much stronger term than it might first appear. In Hebrew it literally means “he brings back my soul” or “turns back to the starting point.” So, it speaks of either restoration of life itself, or at least life’s vitality through rescue or a healing.

    He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake. The Lord’s leading is main theme of this Psalm. Sheep are “led,” not “driven, so the shepherd must go ahead of the flock. Think how true this is of Jesus. Look particularly at John 14:1-3.

    “For His name’s sake” impresses the idea that what is at stake in life is not the fulfillment of human will but God’s will, so that God’s name, glory, and wisdom will be glorified to all men.

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Palestine had many dark, dangerous valleys through which sheep had to travel. But, with the Lord as shepherd the danger is made less severe. Again, the NT teaches the same principle in Hebrews 13:5-6.

    His rod and staff comfort me. Whether two different objects are in mind here is open to debate. However, the shepherd’s rod or staff was a tool of defense, a weapon of power, and symbol of authority. And in this manifold way they comforted sheep. The crook in the rod is believed to have been used to rescue sheep from crevices and pits.

    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The “table” may be viewed a couple of different ways. The fact is that the Lord has “prepared” this table for His sheep. And, these blessings were prepared while our enemies were standing about us. The parallels in the work of Jesus are notable.

   The concept of eating with the Lord is threaded throughout Scripture, from the animal sacrifices used in OT worship, many of which were shared between God and the people to the Lord’s Supper or communion meal of the NT. Enemies are unable to impede God’s provision.

    You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. With this line and those that follow, the psalmist’s delight in God reaches its climax. Having reflected on God’s present and former provision, he now makes a trusting mental leap into the future and foresees God’s eternal provision.

    Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. These words carry a sense of thankfulness and describe the life of everyone who follows in the Lord’s steps.

    And I shall live in the house of the Lord forever. To live in the presence of the Lord. Sheep that are satisfied, looking to the future. A home with God.