The church is in exile due to COVID-19. We have been kept from meeting for a season. It's our exile, much like biblical exiles that forced God's people out of Jerusalem and temple worship. Today I am continuing with brief reflections on the chapter headings from my book, Return From Exile...overcoming loss, failure, and personal setbacks

Please read part one of "The Church Is In Exile Due to COVID-19"- here.

The Church is in Exile: Part Two

I started this discussion in my last post. In looking at the chapter headings from my book, Return from Exile, they prompted many thoughts related to how we might handle our current exile.

Chapter 25 - The Discipline of Darkness

When the church is in exile, it's in a form of darkness. In my last post, I mentioned the importance of traveling companions in exile. One of my traveling companions has been Oswald Chambers through his book, My Utmost For His Highest, Chambers spoke of this darkness:

When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get in the light.

The darkness of exile forces us to develop new senses to hear God. Too often we spend so much time complaining about the darkness or avoiding it that we fail to develop the skills and sensitivities that God brought us into exile to receive. Have you quieted yourself to hear what God is trying to say to you?

Chapter 34 - Reframing the Loss

We suffer loss when the church is in exile. Unfortunately, when something is taken from us we too often only see the loss. But God always brings a silver lining to our losses if we look for it. Good WILL come from this pandemic. It might take time to see it. But if you are careful to listen to God's voice, he will change you for the better. And hopefully, the country/world will change as well.

Many weaknesses are being exposed right now. Was it Warren Buffet who said that we don't know who is wearing a swimsuit until the tide goes out? Instead of pointing fingers of blame, let's fix what is broken in ourselves, our churches and our world (or hand out swimsuits to extend the metaphor).

Chapter 36 - Reframing Your Identity

When the church is in exile, many of us lose a sense of identity. Who are we outside of school, work, church, or our social gatherings? This is an excellent time to make sure your connection with God is rock solid. You are complete in Him. Do you know that? If not, now is the time to establish your identity and worth in Jesus Christ.

Chapter 38 - Necessary Endings

As mentioned, when the church is in exile weaknesses are exposed. That means some relationships and commitments will prove to be unnecessary. I'm not talking about your marriage. Work on that. I'm talking about some friendships where the isolation showed who your true friends are.Or maybe the pandemic revealed your company's true colors. Maybe they were quick to abandon you. Or maybe your political heroes showed themselves to be less than worthy of your commitment. Consider what previous commitments need to come to an end. Exile is a time of cleansing.

Chapter 40 - Goodness and Mercy

When the church is in exile it needs to have hope. I closed out Return from Exile by pointing out David's words in Psalm 23 that goodness and mercy followed him all the days of his life. God takes us through hard times to prune us so that we will be more fruitful. The pruning hurts, but we will be better for it.

I'd be interested in hearing back from you how the pandemic has impacted you and your faith. Comment below or reply to me directly via email.