The Sovereign Lord
Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is our refuge and He is a present help with us in our time of trouble. COVID-19 has certainly presented us with a time of trouble. It is encouraging to know that we have a shelter and help in a time like this. Our Lord is no ordinary shelter or help, He is the sovereign of the universe. When everything in this world is falling apart, the Lord offers His people a habitation that shall not be moved (Ps. 46:2-5).
The Lord is the sovereign of the universe because He is the creator and sustainer of the universe. It is good news that not only is the sovereign Lord our shelter and help, but He is also at work in all things, even the coronavirus, for our good. The good end to which He is working is conforming us more and more into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:28-29). Christian, be comforted, God is our Father; He is in control, He is our shelter, He is our help, and He is working in all things for our good!
The Living Hope
Today, the word “hope” has become synonymous with little more than “wishful thinking” in our culture. However, when the Bible speaks of hope it is referring to a concrete reality that is based on the promises of God. Peter speaks of the Christian’s hope as a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). We have a living hope because we have a resurrected and living Savior. Jesus lived a perfect life, died an atoning death, and was raised victorious defeating the sin that enslaves us and the death that awaits us. In Christ, we have hope beyond the grave.
As those who are in Christ by faith, the resurrection of Jesus has secured our hope. His resurrection, His victory over death, points to our victory to come (1 Cor. 15:20). Therefore, our hope is not in this present world, but in what is to come. Peter goes on to say that our hope is imperishable and kept by God for us in heaven. Don’t miss it, our hope is indestructible! Peter was writing to encourage Christians who were enduring difficulties and trials. The current global health crisis is a trying time and we don’t know what is going to happen next. Are things about to improve? Are things going to continue to deteriorate? Will someone I love become ill? There are many unknowns in our immediate future. Christian, I want to encourage you to take the long view, set your sights on what we do know: Christ will make all things new. We have a living hope!
The Resilient Church
During this time, we are being reminded that nothing replaces gathering together physically as the church. Although we are thankful for the technological tools that allow us to gather in virtual space, these digital platforms are vastly inferior to gathering as the church in real space. (For those of you who would contest this and who are growing accustomed to meeting digitally, what happens when the internet goes down?) Let’s pray that soon we will be able to physically gather together again and when we are able, let’s not take it for granted.
As we navigate these unfamiliar circumstances be reminded that the church is resilient. Jesus said that He would build His church and that sin, death, and Hell would not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). We can be sure that COVID-19 will not destroy the church. Let’s hold fast during these times to that promise from the Chief Shepherd. As we do let’s continue to seek creative ways to love one another and all people during this time (Gal. 6:10).
Finally, be reminded and encouraged that when the early church faced difficulty, often persecution, the Lord used it to grow the church “as the Word of God increased” (Acts 6:7, 8:4, 12:24). Let’s pray that the Lord would use our current difficulties for our good causing the gospel to go forward and the church to grow. May the Lord give us grace and wisdom toward that end.
Written by Matt Baker