As I write this, there are over 450K confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the world is clamoring for answers. Notwithstanding the horrors of World War II, for most of us, it is a time unlike any other.
Growing up during the eighties, I lived under the specter of the Cold War. Duck-and-cover drills were a normal part of our routine. Looking back on them, I’m not sure how we actually benefited from these exercises. For me, an exaggerated fear of the USSR and the belief that somehow cowering under my desk was going to help during a nuclear attack was all that it really fostered.
Unlike the Cold War, COVID-19 is a faceless enemy and until some cure is found we are helpless to fight back. Our best course of action right now is “social distancing” and it’s crushing our economy. Uncertainty and panic crouches at the door. By no means have I mastered the art of serenity, but perhaps I can spread a little peace in sharing what helps to keep me momentarily grounded.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells the crowd “for this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life” (Matthew 6:25). On my list of personal struggles, this ranks near the top. We tend to look at these words as if they’re merely a suggestion or a matter of good advice. The Greek is far more clear. The clause “do not be worried” is an imperative. In other words, we are commanded not to worry. I don’t know about you, but I fail miserably on this.
Also, in the Sermon on the Mount, we glean an uncomfortable truth. If we genuinely believe that “all things were created through him” (Colossians 1:15-17, cf John 1:3), then we must acknowledge that agents of decay, “moth and devouring insects” (Matthew 6:19-20), are part of the cursed creation. Indeed, we are living in perishing bodies (1 Corinthians 15:53-54) and all of creation groans to be restored:
Romans 8:19 For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly but because of God who subjected it—in hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now. Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:19 – 23
So how then do we face our fears and stand fast in this fallen world? In part, what brings me comfort is knowing that God is in control no matter how bad things get. The COVID-19 virus isn’t some curve-ball in His creation. He has already worked this out.
We currently live in the Age of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24, cf Romans 11:25). I believe it began with the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70 (Luke 21:24; cf Acts 2:40) and it will come to an end with a crescendo of chaos which Jesus calls the “beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8). This new era will be known as the Great Tribulation. It is a time of unparalleled suffering which Jesus describes this way:
Matthew 24:21 For then there will be great suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the world until now, or ever will happen. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved [survive]. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Matthew 24:21 – 22
The Great Tribulation will be characterized by:
- Wars among the nations
- Severe earthquakes
- Food shortages
- Pestilence (disease)
- Hurricanes and tsunamis
All of this (Luke 21:10-11, 25) will be so horrible that the people of earth will be utterly dismayed (Luke 21:26), the affluent will flee to their secluded bunkers, and ultimately pray for a quick death (Luke 23:30; cf Revelation 6:15-17).
Revelation 6:15 Then the kings of the earth, the very important people, the generals, the rich, the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?
Revelation 6:15 – 17
At this point you may be asking, “how is this end of the world talk supposed to calm me down?” The peace I enjoy, even if fleeting, comes from knowing that we will certainly get through this trying time. I am confident of this because Scripture demonstrates it.
Whether it’s a few weeks from now, or years down the road, society will return to normal. In fact, things will be quite pleasant just before the Great Tribulation. The world will be “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” (Matthew 24:38). A carefree attitude will prevail with many saying “peace and security” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). This is a stark contrast to our present situation. It’s therefore a reasonable conclusion that COVID-19 will end. On the other hand, if our current situation is a prelude to the Great Tribulation, then I take comfort in knowing that the Church has no part in it (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).
As a child of God, we have been given a spirit of self-control–not of fear (1 Timothy 1:7). We have also been given a glimpse into the future–a future where the curse and chaos reign no more. Therefore, returning to the Sermon on the Mount we find ourselves fully equipped to cast aside every worry even if difficult.
If you are not a child of God then I would encourage you to evaluate your life. God’s standard for obedience is perfection. How are you doing with that? The good news (the gospel) is that Jesus died as a sin offering for you and me. By simple faith, he offers eternal life as adopted sons.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.
John 1:12
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