If you have a pulse, you’re aware of the coronavirus situation and at least somewhat concerned. Depending on your wiring, you may have given it only passing thoughts or you may have done an Internet deep dive. Some of us could’ve earned an honorary doctorate in virology for all the research we’ve done.
Let’s face it - this thing is scary. It’s a germaphobe’s nightmare. Heck, you can spread it before you even know you have it, through innocent handshakes or microscopic droplets flying through the air. No wonder hand sanitizer and medical masks are flying off the shelves! True story: I saw a lady in Costco the other day wearing rubber gloves, a rain coat, a face mask, and a huge pair of protective goggles. Think middle school science lab. Wow, that is vigilance…or something.
The coronavirus is another inescapable and unwelcomed sign of our mortality. It confronts us with our fragile condition and our cursed world. From dangerous viruses, to bacteria, to bad weather and natural disasters, there are countless reminders every day that this is not a safe place to call home. Among other things, and other people, even the earth itself is fighting against us in our struggle to survive.
In Romans 8, Paul addresses our earthly plight and points to the hope of the future:
“The anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.” (vv. 19-22)
We live in a world that is groaning, a world enslaved to corruption and writhing with consequences of the curse, a world waiting to be redeemed from brokenness and to be recreated in wholeness.
And, while living here, we groan too. Paul goes on:
“And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” (v. 23)
God is with us, and He’s given us His Spirit, but we live in vulnerable bodies, and it feels pretty dang scary sometimes.
When something like the coronavirus appears, we can’t help but be afraid. Our survival instincts kick in; it’s fight or flight mode; it’s normal and natural. We must strive to preserve, protect, and prolong our lives. It’s part of being human and part of the reason we’re so anxious.
To add insult to injury, some of us feel tremendous guilt over our anxiety. We want to be bigger and stronger than we actually are, physically, mentally, spiritually. We tell ourselves to cut it out, to suck it up, to stop worrying. Voices in and around us tell us to conquer our fears and condemn us for not doing so.
But, God does not condemn us. Paul goes on in Romans 8 to preach the Gospel of His compassion.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.“ (vv. 31-34)
Jesus came to justify us—to declare us right and to free us from condemnation—not on account of our track record, but His. Unlike us, He didn’t have to fight to survive; He willingly died. He didn’t preserve His life, but poured it out as a drink offering.
In love, He came into this infected world to rescue diseased sinners, to live, die, and rise for our deliverance, such that we are assured of his unconditional love even as we live in a world of unavoidable trouble.
“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, ‘For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ (vv. 35-36)
It is true that we can’t escape death. Every day there are reminders that it is coming for us. The coronavirus is just one more thing telling us that we are not safe and secure in this world. Meanwhile, the Gospel tells us we are safe and secure in His love. Paul concludes,
“But in all these things we overwhelming conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (vv. 37-39)
In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer. Why? Not because we can overcome death or even our fear of it. Heck, we can’t even stop ourselves from touching our faces. (Click here to see a video of health officials pleading with the public not to touch their faces…as they touch their faces)
It is not because we have a hold on Him, but because He holds us. We are victorious because God is victorious, and because we are loved by Him.
He is not condemning us. He has secured our souls and our future. We will one day experience full redemption, the final deliverance of our bodies, our minds, and our world. We will be with God and enjoy His wholeness and wellness forever.
In the meantime, feel free to do your homework and your best to protect yourselves and your loved ones from the coronavirus. Wash your hands, take your vitamins, and stay home if you think you may be infected. Otherwise go about your business, knowing that you are loved by your good God, knowing that nothing—including a life-threatening virus, or even your fear of it—can separate you from Him.