History teaches us that we shouldn’t be surprised by events like the current coronavirus pandemic. It’s certainly not the first time something like this has happened. For example, there was a world-wide pandemic in the middle ages known as the ‘bubonic plague’ – and this was even more potent than the coronavirus which we are facing today. Then in the early 1900’s, there was the so-called ‘Spanish Flu’, an unusually deadly influenza which swept the world.
Yet, what makes Covid-19 so shocking is that few of us could possibly have imagined anything like this happening in the 21st century. Our whole way of life is being profoundly challenged. A simple trip to the grocery store is now an anxious search to see if shelves are stocked with the most basic items for everyday living. Who ever would have thought this could happen to us? Not even a hint of warning. One day, things are ‘normal’. The next, there’s a new normal. Just insane.
And that’s the point. Things were never as solid as we believed. We’d placed our faith in a way of life which we assumed was as certain as the sun. It never was. If the global pandemic has taught us anything…it must surely be that the foundations on which we build our lives REALLY matter. Suddenly, all the stuff about ‘faith in Jesus’ makes sense. HE is the only rock who is solidly reliable. Why did we ever allow ourselves to become so complacent and trust flawed human systems instead? How could we have missed the mark so widely? Why would we ever have permitted ourselves to simply put our faith in a way of life that was always precarious anyway?
In this crisis, there are many things which don’t make sense. How long will it last? What will the future look like beyond the ‘crisis’? What will change? What will be the economic price of all this? The lists of questions go on.
I don’t have answers to any of those questions. The only thing that makes sense to me in this crazy season is the message of the cross. Jesus gave HIS life so we could experience HIS life. John 3:16 stands as a pillar of truth in a crumbling world.
My encouragement to you….no…my plead with you is to put your faith in Jesus Christ. He is the light who will show you the way forward. He is the truth who can be completely relied upon. He is the way…the ONLY way to eternal life.
Lean in to his grace. Call out to him. Believe his word. Jesus Christ – God’s Son – who died on a cross and rose from the dead. He did it all for you. That’s real love. He’s totally worth following.
