What should be the Christian response to the current Coronavirus pandemic that has paralyzed the world with fear?
Podcast Transcript: Click HERE to listen to the full episode
This past week I have been praying a lot about what should be the appropriate pastoral response to the current Coronavirus pandemic.
As many of you are aware I am the pastor of a local congregation in Daytona Beach Florida, but now with the unprecedented nature of the current moment in History and in light of the President of United States calling for a National Day of Prayer tomorrow – I also wanted to share with you a little encouragement from God’s word today.
In the midst of uncertainty – God is our only certainty. This is the reason we are Christians! This is what we signed up for when we decided to be dipped into the watery grave of baptism – no longer I but Christ who lives in me!
In my devotions recently, I happened upon Psalm 46:
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.”
(Psalm 46:1–7 NKJV)
This is the promise we can rely on while surrounded by fear. In response to this truth what do we do? Verse 10 tells us to simply: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Be still.
It seems so counter-intuitive when the grocery store is out of toilet paper and everything around us seems to be closing.
Be still and know…
Know what?
God will take care of your health, your wealth, and the people you love and care for the most.
This virus outbreak did not catch God by surprise. In fact, Jesus told us in Matthew 24 that pestilences are just another birth pain contraction we must endure as we wait for the soon coming of Jesus.
This is the time when people will be on their computers looking for answers – asking questions they have never asked before. Do we have the answers? We may not be able to tell people exactly what is going to be result of this virus – how it is going to change present society – perhaps permanently nor should we – but we can point them to a greater hope and certainty then this world can offer.
One of my favorite quotes related to this topic is found in the little book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, p. 71.
The Father’s presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord’s permission, and “all things” that are permitted “work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28.
God is our refuge and strength!
We are now getting a taste of how fragile the foundation of this world really is.
The world has built its house on shifting sand of man’s word and man’s wisdom – but we are told that building our house on the Rock means that we not only listen to Jesus’s words but we put those words into action.
When we live by more than bread alone but by every word of the mouth of God we are not moved when the ground shakes!
The city of God is the person of Jesus Christ.
When we are in Christ we cannot be moved because he overcame the world and gives us his victory in return for our dependence.
Jesus is the rock.
Jesus is the ark
He will never leave us nor forsake us – “Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling”
Therefore, during this time of uncertainty – return to God and he will return to you. His wings will overshadow you – His angels will protect you – his spirit will guide you.
Now is the time to get back in the word of God.
If events, work, school are canceled use your extra time not to watch the news or scroll endlessly the internet and social media looking for comfort.
Now is the time to learn to find comfort in the comforter.
Now is the time to exercise faith over feeling
Giving your life instead of trying to save it
God will take care of you.
Here are the lyrics from the Hymn by that same title: God Will Take Care of You
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain
God will take care of you,
through every day, o’er all the way;
he will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
when dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.
All you may need he will provide,
God will take care of you;
nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to take this moment to pray for the world, our country, and our church as we face an unprecedented crisis over the next several weeks and possibly months. Right now, even as I pray, give us peace in our heart to know that You are our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
We know that you are a God who works all things for good, and so it is with confidence that we praise you for what you are going to do through your church to share your love and truth so many desperately need right now in their lives. Use us Lord! This is our prayer in Jesus name.
Amen.