Shining Your Light in the Plague

By Shane Kastler

In the 3^rd century A.D., a plague rocked the Roman empire. What came to be called “the Plague of Cyprian” claimed as many as 5,000 lives per day at it's height. The plague claimed the lives of two emperors, proving that mass sickness is no respecter of persons. Both old and young die. Rich and poor. The powerful and the peasants.

Many people were merely left to die during the Cyprian Plague. But one group of people stood out amidst the carnage. One group of people cared for the sick and buried the dead, while everyone else ran for their lives. One group of people risked their own necks for the sake of others; and many of these care givers died themselves in the process. That group of people were an odd and hated minority known as the Christians. Historian John Horgan, in his 2016 article, notes: “Christians played an active role in caring for the ill as well as actively providing care in the burial of the dead. Those Christians who themselves perished from the illness were considered martyrs while offering non-believers who would convert the possibility of rewards in the Christian afterlife. Ultimately this episode not only strengthened but helped to spread Christianity throughout the furthest reaches of the empire and Mediterranean world.” (The Ancient History Encyclopedia, The Plague of Cyprian.)

We live in strange times today; but in many ways we must remember that, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) The church has always led the way in times of crisis, showing people that they can have life beyond this temporal world, and that the church is willing to be there for them when no one else will. Never before, in recent history, have Christians needed to stand forth more than now, and be a witness. The words of Christ ring eerily true today, and should be deeply pondered and prayed over. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Opinions vary greatly as to how businesses, nations, individuals, and churches handle the COVID-19/ Coronavirus pandemic. As a pastor, I know firsthand both the accolades and vitriol one might receive for making tough decisions; when it seems it is impossible to win and any option you choose will be controversial. But one thing we should all agree on. People in America are scared right now. Believers need to be encouraged, and unbelievers need to hear about the hope that is found in Christ. The government, the CDC, and the World Health Organization will not be doing this. It's not their job. It's the church's job.

Do what you believe is best in terms of personal safety during this time. Follow God's Word and your conscience and see where it leads you, but please don't “hide your light under a bushel.” Christian, the world needs to hear the truth and they will only hear it.....from you. They need to see and hear a brazen and faithful witness that perseveres through the darkest of times. And they need to see it.....from you. You may die for your public witness for Christ. But some things are indeed, worth dying for. Namely, the cause of Christ. Give it some thought.

Comments

[Seth Richardson]

Thank you!