The Return of the Saints from Pandemic Exile

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It is a beautiful Sunday morning. So excited were you with the “full” return, you didn’t get much sleep. You’re running on adrenaline as you hop toward the front doors and greet the usher. As you walk into the entry (the narthex), you can hear the pre-service music blaring. The full chorus, orchestra, and organ are at fortissimo! You take a right turn to hang up your jacket and then it’s on to Fellowship Hall for coffee and a donut! Detour to the restroom: No need to wipe down the handle, anymore! Alleluia. Sounds of happy greetings can be heard in the hall. Little kids are scampering around, marveling at the joy of spilled drinks and slips and falls in the big room. As you rush into the packed sanctuary, you espy kids, youth, and adults coming back up from Sunday School. The sunlight is streaming through the stained glass windows. The pastor says, “Greet each other in the name of Jesus!” Many minutes of meet and greet ensue, punctuated by sobbing and laughter. Full-throated singing is about to happen. Masks are gone. Gloves are off. Trumpets blare. Communion is ready. The communion rails are ready to be leaned on. The chancel is full of flowers. The crucifer and acolyte scurry about. Alleluia! Thanks be to God!

Obviously, the above picture is unlikely to be in motion for a while. But it’s a day which we can all envision. A blessed day. Every day that passes will bring us closer to that blessed, full return from our “exile.”

As we prepare to return to our blessed campus of the Good Shepherd, in incremental steps, we look at our biblical precedents, including Nehemiah’s return from the Babylonian Exile to rebuild Jerusalem. To think that we will simply be going back to “business as usual” is unrealistic and possibly short-sighted. By the time we fully return, society will have changed. We will also be changed by our experiences, which God has allowed. Our manner of ministry will be changed too: some for the better, and some difficult to understand at this time.

Nehemiah experienced the following in his process of returning:

1. He got permission from the king and received right of passage and provisions for the work (Nehemiah 2:4–9).
2. He made a personal evaluation of the situation (context) with a small group of advisors (Nehemiah 2:11–18).
3. He divided up the work among several team leaders (Nehemiah 3).
4. He encouraged the many joining in the effort to stand strong against opposition (Nehemiah 4 and 6).
5. He directed ministry to meet the needs of those in the community who were suffering want (Nehemiah 5).
6. He kept track of people and accounted for them because people are really important to God (Nehemiah 7).
7. He arranged for God’s Word to be proclaimed that led to repentance and renewal and a celebration that is described in this way: “The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away” (Nehemiah 8–12; see esp. 12:43).
8. He instituted some lasting reforms … some things would not go back the way they were (Nehemiah 13).

Siblings+, The incremental phases of return and the eventual return is before us. Although we return, not everything will be the way it was. During this difficult period, God has been working in us for the good. He has been repositioning us for ministry. Our reach, virtually, is at historic levels. Jehovah Jireh, the God of provision, has reorganized us, reformed us, and reignited us, situating us in a more strategic “place.” As we prepare to return, we ponder: What has God been showing us during these times? What have we learned? What do I regret that I did or didn’t do, pre-pandemic? When God returns me, how will I serve? How will I then contribute to God’s church and His mission?

The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away…The sound of rejoicing in Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, Sterling, Vienna, Leesburg, Fairfax, et al., will also be heard far away! We envision that day.

We envision the day that the safe and effective vaccines (plural) and therapeutics are ready and available. I don’t know if I’ve ever prayed for big and small pharma on a regular basis – but let’s go Moderna! Let’s go J&J, Pfizer, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, et al.!

Friends, behold the mighty Hand of God working, preparing us for the return. Listen and be still, as He calls us to the awesome mission and ministry which awaits us. Amen.

As you meditate on God’s Word and this devotion, here’s some music to help you reflect. Hope to see you again. – Pastor Johann 

Click here to hear the music of the Sanctuary Choir as they sing "The Dream Isaiah Saw," by Glenn L. Rudolph, text by Thomas Troeger.

Lions and oxen will sleep in the hay
Leopards will join with the lambs as they play
Wolves will be pastured with cows in the glade
Blood will not darken the Earth that God made

Little Child whose bed is straw
Take new lodgings in my heart
Bring the dream Isaiah saw:
Life redeemed from fang and claw

Peace will pervade more than forest and field
God will transfigure the violence concealed
Deep in the heart and in systems of gain
Ripe for the judgment the Lord will ordain.

Little Child whose bed is straw
Take new lodgings in my heart
Bring the dream Isaiah saw:
Justice purifying law

Nature reordered to match God’s intent
Nations obeying the call to repent
All of creation completely restored
Filled with the knowledge and love of the Lord

Little Child whose bed is straw
Take new lodgings in my heart
Bring the dream Isaiah saw:
Knowledge, wisdom, worship, awe