https://odb.org/MY/2022/09/01/hygge
The pandemic had caused churches to close their doors with services going online. There are pros and cons, the obvious being that with online services, prayer meetings and bible studies, attendance is not restricted by distance or space. We can attend despite being thousands of miles away or even in another time zone. Zoom is probably the next best thing to teleporting, which I believe some of us are looking forward to as one of the perks of our glorified bodies!
There is however a strong case to be made for actual physical attendance, notwithstanding the reach of online platforms. That is probably why there will be tekeporting in the end of days even with the advent of technology! Seeing each other in the flesh brings a different experience and binds us together in a stronger way. WhatsApp messages, telephone or video calls are good for communicating but the bonds of human relationships are better built when we see each other in the flesh. The TV or mobile screens are still 2D and thus lack the depth and clarity of actual 3D breathing human bodies. Somehow although we are communicating, online interactions do not genuinely feel like we are meeting together. That’s also probably why companies and businesses are insisting that employees come back to office while retaining the flexibility to work from home for some days. While we can work from anywhere with technology, explanations and discussions are still the best when done in person face to face.
Therefore, like the writer of Hebrews (believed to be Paul) encouraging the mainly Jewish audience (who came across as somewhat wavering in their faith) to come together to worship God as a group, we must likewise not neglect meeting up together as churches open up and encourage physical on site services. Ultimately, physical meetings also serve as checks and balances to help each of us to remain strong in the faith. Our presence is also an encouragement to the others of their faith. Moreover, it is part of our society’s migration to the endemic phase of the pandemic to turn the Covid-19 virus into something like the common cold. People will get it eventually but they will also get over it with vaccinations and strengthened internal immunities achieving herd immunity.
Let’s meet together in church or outside for meals or at our homes in fellowship to foster and grow our relationships with one another for the betterment of the community of believers!
Ronnie's Thoughts 