Photo by Steven Cornfield on Unsplash
As I write this blog post today, it's likely that later on we will hear announced that 100,000 people have died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive of Covid-19. It's a huge figure, and I'm sure much will be made of it by the news broadcasters and headline writers. The shadow of death is darker over the UK than it has been for a long time.
However alongside the daily announcements of infections and deaths, we now have the daily announcement of people who have received the vaccine. Nearing 7 million people today. Amidst the darkness there is light. So a visit to Nonsuch Park now holds the prospect of not just a shot of caffeine from the Pantry but also a shot in the arm of hope from the Mansion!
But as the vaccine roll-out continues apace, let's be aware of two dangers:
1. The danger of diversion
On Sunday morning in Exodus 3 we saw that God aimed to rescue his people from slavery in Egypt and bring them into the promised land. But that wasn't an end in itself. No, the goal was that they might be free to worship Him (Exodus 3:12)
We are created to worship God. But as Paul says in Romans 1, our sinful hearts exchange "the truth about God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is for ever praised. Amen." (Romans 1:25)
And as Christians we're still prone to fall into the trap of worshipping and placing our hopes in created things rather than in our Creator. It was John Calvin who said our hearts are idol factories - constantly producing new things to worship.
And as we head into 2021 there is a danger that the vaccine becomes our great hope, or the prospect of a holiday our reason for happiness or...... you fill in the gap.
So let's beware the danger, and if indeed the vaccine does bring a return to our freedoms, let's remember that
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
And let's keep worshipping Him as our true source of hope in our hearts.
2. The danger of division
You might have picked up various divisions amongst Christians over the vaccines.
It is, of course, a question of conscience over whether to get vaccinated. And some Christians have questioned the ethics behind their development.
Rather than rehearse the arguments myself, let me point you to two really helpful articles which grapple with some of the questions.
Firstly, John Stevens, Director of FIEC in this article on the Affinity website. He engages really helpfully on the concerns of some in the Pro-Life movement.
Secondly, this article by Keith Kauffman, on the Gospel Coalition Website is also worth a read.
It's right to be thoughtful as Christians. It's right to be informed with truth. It's right to reach our own decisions on questions of conscience. But in the all too toxic world of social media, let's beware of division with those who take a different view.
As for me, when my turn comes round - I'll be going to Nonsuch for both a coffee and a vaccine jab. And I'll aim to remember to thank the Lord for both.