The Judgment Pandemic
Senior Pastor John Richter shares his thoughts about the current Coronavirus pandemic, including a question that many are asking today; “is Coronavirus God’s judgment?”
“Is Coronavirus God’s Judgment?”
This question arises and permeates through the Church. I hear many believers claiming expertise on this issue, saying Coronavirus is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, God’s punishment being visited upon the nations. This claim comes across in subtle judgments about public figures and leaders of states and nations. In fact, every time a major catastrophe occurs, large groups of Christian “experts” declare it is indeed the wrath of God. Historical examples include the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and other national and global tragedies.
I would like to address this “Judgment Worldview” among us as it pertains to the teachings of Jesus and the entirety of the New Testament. First, let me say, I believe God’s judgment is real and Biblical. There are numerous examples in the Old and New Testaments of God executing judgment. Among others, there are two distinct instances recorded in the Book of Acts. One dealing with an Angel of the Lord striking down Herod (Acts 12:18-25) and another to do with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). In the face of these Biblical accounts, Romans 12:18-21 states,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In this verse, Paul gives us two distinct revelations. First, Paul cites Deuteronomy 32, pointing out that vengeance, wrath, and judgment are God’s responsibility alone. Secondly, that these things are not our responsibility! Our responsibility is to love our enemies - those who act in contradiction to God and His people - and to overcome evil with good. Jesus taught this same concept on several occasions, including the sayings, “do not judge, lest you be judged” (Matthew 7:1) and, “pray for your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).
We see this demonstrated in the story of Jonah. God tells Jonah that He will judge Nineveh, one of the most horrific and sinful cities on the planet at the time. God then tells him to go and call them to repentance. Jonah makes it clear that he would not cooperate, not because he was afraid of Nineveh, but because he was afraid of God’s mercy toward them. He wanted them to be punished, and in doing so, ignored the assignment God had on his life. Jonah tried to invoke God’s Judgment instead of partnering with God’s Love and Grace.
Let’s assume for a moment that folks who hold a Judgement Worldview regarding the Coronavirus actually got a word from God, like Jonah, about impending judgment. Let me quickly interject that such a word, if it happens to be true, is no small matter and should be handled with great caution. Based on Paul and Jesus’ teachings, should we rush to one being judged with mercy and love or run away and watch them “get what they deserve”? Should we intercede for mercy on their behalf or look on, hoping for their death and destruction?
We must be extremely careful about entering into a judgment mindset. If we want to talk about pandemics, let’s discuss the pandemic of judgment rampant throughout the church. Pointing fingers and calling out leaders by name on social media! Declaring God’s Judgment on a country or nation because of sin. Declaring emphatically that entire cities are being judged by God when a catastrophe or pandemic breaks out. Paul told us that vengeance and judgment are God’s responsibility. When we declare God’s Judgment, we are stepping into a realm that only belongs to God! Jesus taught us that our heart posture must always be love.
Expressing judgment does not fuel love. On the contrary, it provides a hidden excuse not to love! Our assignment as disciples of Jesus is to love people everywhere we go, in every environment, and with every people group! As the prophet Isaiah wrote about us thousands of years ago, “Arise shine! For your light has come!”