Singing This Sunday
I have some mixed good news.
The NSW Government has changed the COVID restrictions again recently and that means that most of us (those who are fully vaccinated) will be able to sing corporately again from this coming Sunday.
Unfortunately, the Government has not yet allowed those not yet fully vaccinated to sing. In the interest of Public Health, if you are not yet fully vaccinated, the Government is requiring you to abstain until we reach 95% fully vaxxed or on December 15th, whichever comes first. So if that is you, as disappointing as this is, may I encourage you to remember this: our worship is not reduced to our singing!
Yes, it is a major expression of worship, and yes it is commanded in Scripture. But it is not the only way we worship. One of the ways that you can worship in this time is by obeying God’s word, which says in Titus 3:1 “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work…” You can worship just as much by obeying this text with a happy heart, knowing that God put it here for you. You can worship and honour the Lord in your heart, in your clapping, in your joy. Furthermore, you can worship the Lord by singing to Him outside, or in your home.
The reality is: although I do not like these rules, and I would not enforce them myself, this does not mean that we can pick and choose which rules we obey and follow.
The other reality is: the only reason we have this conundrum and problem is precisely because churches are receiving preferential treatment! Because churches are open to all, regardless of vaccination status, we are in this scenario where we now have these restrictions enforced. So let us be grateful for our privileged status as churches!
So let us come together this Sunday, not divided by COVID restrictions and rules, but united by our sharing in the blood of Christ. Let us come together in person, in love, in unity, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-4 is good counsel for us all in this time:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Let us be in constant prayer for our leaders, for the freedom of worship, for the evil one to be resisted, and for unity across the churches. If you have any questions, queries or concerns about this, please come and talk to me, I’d love to hear from you!
P.S. Masks are still mandatory inside the church and whilst singing.