Babylon, COVID, and Afghanistan

Jews look back at the Babylonian Captivity as a dark, but pivotal time. Jerusalem was destroyed, and the inhabitants were forced out. Many were slaughtered, and those left alive, who had an education, special skill, or youthful leadership potential, were deported to Babylon. They were forced into a new language and culture, all while surrounded by a value system that was anathema to their own traditions. Reading the prophets from this time gives you a sense of deep grief and confusion. “How did this happen?” and “What do we do now?”And yet, history tells us that most Jews flourished in Babylon. Those who did well, such as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, lived by certain principles. 1) They accepted their new reality as permanent. 2) They saw themselves as foreigners who were obligated to bless their foreign communities. 3) They refused to capitulate on their God-given values. 4) And they expected animosity from those they were trying to bless.Now we look back and see that this time of captivity produced multiple blessings to Israel and their neighbors. God used this time to make them better, and to prepare them for the coming Messiah.Reading and hearing accounts of Christians in Afghanistan has tugged at my heart immensely. Leaders of tiny churches are hunted down. Reports from Christian cells that are moving around and attempting to stay hidden, speak of their time on earth as nearing its end. And yet, I do not detect hysteria, depression, or even angst in their messages or their voices (some videos have made it out and circulated). There’s a sense of resolution in their spirit. They have a powerful peace about them.Then there’s COVID here in America. I’ve never sensed more fear and anxiety in our society over anything. Not in my lifetime. What can we learn from the Jews in Babylon and Christians in Afghanistan?Don’t get me wrong, most Jews left Babylon as soon as they were able. Christians in Afghanistan would end their persecution if they could (though many would not leave their country, as this is where they believe God wants them).But if we are going to overcome the fear and anxiety associated with this pandemic, we must also learn the attitudes of the Jews in Babylon and Christians in Afghanistan. COVID is not going anywhere. It’s a reality of our lives, and it will be here for a while. Though we should do what we can to limit it, it might be here for good. Facing that reality, and resolving ourselves to live lives that honor God and bless other people, no matter what threat may be out there, will be key for us to overcome what is dominating so many around us.I’m vaccinated. And I’m following the regulations that our federal, state, and local governments have warranted. But eighteen months is a big percentage of all of our lives, a chunk that many have now lost. We cannot allow COVID’s threat to keep destroying lives. We cannot allow fear and anxiety to abscond the things that matter most. We will be the church. We will honor God. No matter the threat.