But We See Jesus
Hebrews 2:10
It is doubtful whether anything has so captured the attention of mankind nor produced such a response worldwide in our lifetime than the presence and effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Certainly, it has inflicted much suffering and loss of life, especially to those among the aged, weak and infirmed. Likewise, varying efforts to combat this enemy have themselves brought about additional levels of hardship and heartache to large segments of our society.
Among those people significantly affected by this phenomena has been the Christian community. Those who may read this know this well.
Myriads of individual reactions have spread across every community – fear, loneliness, tension, anxiety, anger, depression, doubt, confusion – just to name a few. These are the thoughts and emotions by which our adversary, the devil, would seek to separate us from our Lord and rob us of the joy of our salvation. God forbid!
With sincere humility and relying on God’s grace, I offer the following thoughts in hope of encouraging my fellow Christians. Lest we become mired in a sea of despair, may we be moved to lift our hearts to the Lord, set our minds on the things above and walk in the light as He is in the light.
The term, corona (however it applies to the virus) has a basic meaning of the figure of a crown. It is used to define the glow around the sun – best visible during times of eclipse; also it may refer to the gold “halo” around the heads of the saints’ icons, testifying to the crown of righteousness. May I suggest we begin a return to a Godward focus in our lives by acknowledging Jesus as King and God.
Now, we turn to the term, COVID. It may well have some scientific or medical meaning, but it has become a word that ignites those unwelcome turbulent feelings listed above. Perhaps we can find something more in it that will be positive and helpful in our lives. We offer just four with only limited examples from the Word of God:
I. Christ, Our Victory in Distress –
Our lives are often filled with difficult situations which weigh heavily on our minds and exert stress that strains our senses. We may find it difficult to think clearly and give attention to the higher things of life. But listen to God’s Word – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, …? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-37) Again, “In all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 3:7,8) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6,7) Knowing the love of Christ and having faithful friends will bring victory over distress in our lives. Prayer and thanksgiving will bring relief to our troubled minds.
II. Christ, Our Victory in Despondency –
Continuing stress and negative thinking will likely drive us to a state of downheartedness and sadness known as despondency. We can become weary of life, mentally exhausted and spiritually anemic. But listen to God’s Word – “Why are you so sad, O my soul? And why do you trouble me? Hope in God, for I will give thanks to Him. My God is the salvation of my countenance.” (Psalm 42:5) “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me … I go to prepare a place for you … I will come again and receive you to Myself.” (John 14:1-3) Again, “In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Our trust that Jesus is preparing a place for us in His eternal kingdom and will receive us after the brief time in this world, we gain a better perspective of life. This world, with its stormy seas and contrary winds, will not cause us to drown in despondency. Christ is on the water calling, “It is I, do not be afraid.”
III. Christ, Our Victory in Defeat –
As we are confronted with the struggles, battles and challenges of this life, most of us come to realize that we do not win them all. In fact, some may find themselves on the losing side many times. It is never easy to face defeat. It affects every facet of our being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. In some cases, the wounds of defeat can linger for years. Yes, it may be good for building our character or making us better people, but that largely depends on how we respond and where we turn for recovery. But listen to God’s Word – “You (Lord) turned my mourning into dancing for me; You tore up my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing praise to You.” (Psalm 29:12,13). “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He heeded me …. and brought me up out of a miserable pit and from miry clay; and He established my feet on a rock. (Psalm 39:2,3) St. Paul, who experienced many defeats, wrote to encourage the church at Philippi: “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things.” (Philippians 3:8) St. John points the way – the pathway to recovery from defeat: “This is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (I John 5:4,5)
We surely will not win every battle, but by faith in Christ we will overcome the world and “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life in the midst of the Paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7).
IV. Christ, Our Victory in Death –
Unless the Lord returns beforehand, we will all die. Everyone knows that, but most people cringe at the thought – and even try not to think about. In His teaching, Jesus often reminded His hearers that they need not fear death. In fact, many Christians throughout the years have looked forward to their death and rejoiced therein. David, in that beloved Psalm wrote: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 22:4) St. Paul, to encourage his people, wrote that the Son of God became man in order to “release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:15). However, the thought of death still provokes a deep fear and trembling within us. But listen to God’s Word – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) “Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26) St. Paul strongly summarizes these truths to edify the Church: “When this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying: “Death is swallowed up in victory ….. the sting of death is sin … but thanks be to God , who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15: 54-58)
So, brothers and sisters in Christ, hold fast to those last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before returning to the Father: “lo, I am with you always, even to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Embrace those closing words of Holy Scripture: “He who testifies to these things (Jesus) says, “Surely, I am coming quickly.” Even so, come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 20:20).
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 25)
Offered with fear and trembling,
Fr. Andrew
About The Author
