Covid and The Hour of Testing

In Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus writes to a church in the city of Philadelphia located in what is now modern-day Turkey. As a reward for their faithfulness amidst harsh persecution, Jesus said that He would keep them “from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Might we be facing such an “hour of testing,” a world-wide test in the form of Covid?

There has been much more emphasis on getting tested for Covid than there has been on seeing Covid as a test. Yet, Covid is for God’s people “an hour of testing,” as it is for everyone on the planet.  I wish I could tell you that an hour in the Bible’s scheme of time meant a literal 60 minutes. Unfortunately, it is more symbolic of a “period of testing,” one that lasts longer than any of us would choose.

The test Jesus predicted in Revelation 3 was to come upon the “whole world,” the same way Covid has had a world-wide impact. God told Israel that He tested her in the wilderness “to see what was in her heart” (Deut. 8:2,16). In the same way, we, the Church today, have not been spared from Covid, because the Church (and individual churches) needs to see what is in its/our hearts.

We get a hint of the reason behind the “hour of testing” when Jesus said it would test those who “dwell on the earth.” The test Jesus spoke of may have been world-wide in scope, but it was designed to reveal the hearts of individuals. In our current situation, there are many ways to fail such a test. Here are a few of them:

If all we do is cope with Covid, we fail the test.

If we blame China for Covid, we fail the test.

If we frame Covid as an issue of personal rights (to wear a mask or not to wear a mask), we fail the test.

If we politicize Covid, we fail the test.

We fail the test in these ways because we do not understand the question being asked of us by the One requiring us to take the test. So, what is the question?

Imagine this, there are 7.5 billion people on the planet, most of them put on a mask this morning. Why? To fend off the possibility of premature death. Covid has forced every person on the planet to wrestle with his or her mortality and the fragile nature of human life, and to consider if God has an issue with the direction things are going. So, the real question God is asking whenever the world faces such tests/dangers is: Will you examine your hearts to see if you are doing things that displease Me?  

It is a question that applies to both churched and unchurched folk alike. Yet, even if we get the answer wrong, there is mercy built into the test, for God did not have to give us the chance to examine ourselves. He could have poured out His wrath and judgment on everyone, and we’d deserve it.  God does not design tests to torment us; He designs them so we can see what is lacking within us and correct it. He is gracious to forgive, cleanse and restore when we repent from the heart.

I do not ask if you have been tested for Covid, but, rather, have you passed the test of Covid? Has your church passed the test? Have you examined your church’s heart? Here is one way to do that.

Have you examined your personal relationship with God? If you sense you need to explore what a relationship with God looks like, let me encourage you to read the Gospel of John in the Bible’s New Testament. You will discover a God who longs for a relationship with you that lasts longer than any earthly test.

If you already have a relationship with God, then let me suggest you seek His face and repent of anything Covid has revealed in your heart that displeases Him. Let us not miss the opportunity which such an “hour of testing” affords.

Rev. Mark Barnard serves as President of Blessing Point Ministries. Blessing Point works to heal churches that have been wounded by painful crises. Barnard is the author of Diagnosing the Heart of Your Church – How Church Leaders Can Assess Systemic Corporate Dysfunction.

8 thoughts on “Covid and The Hour of Testing”

  1. Thanks Mark for an excellent take on how God is testing us as His people. You’ve explained how God is testing us and not just the why. He does speak to us in our pain and loss to bring us into a closer & more intimate relationship with Himself with each other s an opportunity for being personally renewed as well as His church.

  2. Great article on COVID, Mark. When I’ve prayed about the pandemic, I’ve not felt comfortable praying for it to end soon because I’m afraid we won’t learn what God is trying to teach us. More praying for us to turn to Him and give Him the importance in our lives that He deserves. I want it to be over but if life goes back to the way it was, as you said, we fail!!
    Thanks for your ministry and insight.

    8-)Debbie Smith

  3. Thanks Mark, Great message, and so timely. Thank you as well for your ministry. Your books have been instrumental in helping me and others to heal our hearts and the hearts of the church in which we serve. I continue to use them.
    I post a short video weekly, mainly to our church, but, on Facebook others watch as well. Would it be okay with you that I use some quotes and the basic message of this message in such a video. I will give you credit. I don’t want to take from you as if I am the genius behind it.

    1. Thanks for the encouragement, Gary. So glad to hear that God is working in the heart of your church. Please use the article as it suits your needs. Feel free to connect with me on FB if you like.

  4. Wonderful insight and very good application Mark.
    For such a time as this may we pass the test and hear the words of the master teacher
    Well done.
    Blessings

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