Pandemics are as old as civilization itself after The Fall. People in groups naturally spread sickness, and influenza pandemics have occurred regularly in 30-40 year cycles since the 16th century. If you think we are experiencing something unique today, I urge you to become a more serious student of history. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecc 1:9 ESV)
Mandated church closures and fighting over closures have occurred every major cycle, such as when Cardinal Charles Borromeo decreed on October 18, 1576, “ecclesiastics to stay at home”, not even attending church on Christmas. Similar actions were taken by Pope Alexander VII in 1656, and the Pentecostal Assembly of God closed American churches in 1918 to thwart the Spanish Flu.
Interestingly, families were urged to meet in their own homes to worship on Sundays; sermons and devotions were published in newspapers and distributed pamphlets. (Remember, this was before Facebook.) Sermons often included warnings this sickness was God’s call to repentance—and, just as now, it was.
Valid arguments both directions for and against closures triggered rifts and divided congregations. Some remained open, others closed. Regardless, one powerful lesson from history is that following each pandemic churches grew stronger, both spiritually and financially. God providentially turns evil to good for those called according to his purpose. So keep trusting Him no matter what. People can fight over the right answer to be closed or open, but God’s answer ultimately wins: It’s His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Lord, Your Word and Your Will are our only sources of wisdom. Guide us to do the right thing and grant us the courage to do what You send us to do. We put all our hope and trust in You. We know in You there is eternal victory. Amen.