In light of everything going on in the world with the coronavirus and with Easter coming up I wanted to share a few things. First, I’d like to share a story I came across that is quite relevant for our time.
Horror gripped the peaceful village of Feldkirch, Austria, early on Easter morning in 1799, when high above the valley in which the town nestled, they spied the tents and the gleaming armour of a foreign army. The uniforms, plainly seen in the clear dawn, were those of Napoleon's French forces.
With the weapons of enemy soldiers glittering above them, and their own Austrian army far away across the mountains, the villagers had reason for desperation. Hurriedly, the town council assembled. Hopelessness pervaded the council chamber.
Someone proposed that they send a peace offering up the steep cliff, handing the keys of the city to the enemy commander and petitioning him for mercy. But up rose the old dean of the church, serene as the sunrise, stout-hearted as the ancient trees upon the hill. "This is Easter morning," he declared, his voice echoing the peace of the first resurrection day.
Confusion instantly subsided among the council members who were calmed by the tones of his voice. "We have been reckoning on our own strength; and it is but weakness. Let us ring the bells and have services as usual. We will leave our troubles in the hands of a Higher Power." His courage was contagious, and the council agreed with him. Soon the village church bells rang out joyously. Gaily dressed villagers, on their way to worship, thronged the streets. The surrounding hills echoed the rich tones of the church bells as they pealed louder and louder, proclaiming the resurrection of the living Christ.
On the heights above the little town, General Massena in command of Napoleon's invading army with 18,000 troops, hearing the sounds of rejoicing, and seeing the carefree, brightly-clothed throngs, concluded that there could be but one reason for such gaiety in the presence of his military might.
He was sure that the Austrian army had come up in the night and might even now be encircling his position on the wooded hill. Massena ordered his army to break camp speedily and depart. Almost before the bells had ceased ringing, long before church services were concluded that Easter day in 1799, the French army was in retreat.
When the worshippers of Feldkirch poured out of the church doors and looked up at the heights, they saw not one tent, not one French soldier, not one flashing sword above their peaceful village!
(From: The Mighty Hand of God by Katherine Pollard Carter)
I’d also like to take a moment to encourage you. Many of us are combatting an enemy that we cannot see. We face potential disease and sickness. Even though problems may abound, our resolve should remain the same, especially as we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our resolve is this: “We will worship God.” The church cannot be silent in times like these. We must worship. If we don’t worship, the rocks would cry out. Let the church bells ring.
The willingness to praise God in the toughest of situations and choosing to rejoice provides tremendous strength for the believer. When we feel surrounded on all sides, choose to take a different perspective and look to the joy of the Lord which is our strength. Whether you are alone, meeting in person, connecting via a livestream, going to a drive-in service, or wherever you may be, let the songs of your heart go forth. Praise God first and foremost whether the times are good or bad. When you face the enemy let the church bells ring.
Our hearts are full because the tomb is empty. Nothing is more powerful and contagious than the love of God, not even the coronavirus. Don’t be stuck in fear. Stand in faith. Even though circumstances may be different, let God be God and simply worship Him. Let the church bells ring.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
-Nehemiah 8:10
(For further study read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30)