Coming Out of Isolation
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The last three years have been challenging. After COVID-19 came into our lives, everything changed. We had to shut down our face-to-face ministry and go online. Sabbath School for kids disappeared. The Sabbath services went viral.
Sabbath potlucks and fellowship were a thing of the past.
The faces of individuals changed. Every smile was covered by a mask. People were often unrecognizable, except for their eyes.
We greeted each other from six feet away with a nod or air fist bump. Gone were the warm hugs and handshakes on Sabbath morning as we greeted friends that we had not seen for a week. Individually, we became isolated from our sisters and brothers.
I am single and live alone with my two cats.
After three years of being isolated, it has been difficult for me to get back into the habit of getting up early on Sabbath morning, getting dressed, and driving to church. I had gotten into the habit of going for a brisk Sabbath walk and coming home to watch church on my television. I did not dress up for three years. I did not have to drive to church on Sabbath morning or Wednesday night. I became really comfortable watching church in my pajamas in my bed with my snacks. I know I am not alone in this. Perhaps you have also experienced the same thing. It has been challenging for me to change my habits after three years.
I like a comfortable church. But we are admonished by Paul to come together and worship and not neglect gathering together with one another.
He urges us to love and encourage each other, especially as we see the day of the Lord approaching. And if you are paying attention to the news, you know the day is approaching quickly. I encourage you today to come out of isolation and worship with others in the house of the Lord while it is still day. The New Living Translation renders Hebrews 10:25 this way: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Eva M. Starner
