CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~8~ See God’s presence

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS
Look out, look around, and look up [The final post]

Since last week, confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide have gone from about 180,000 to 400,000. As of noon today, March 24, nearly 17,500 have died, which is more than twice last week’s number. And every statistic represents a person who suffers and a family that sorrows. 

But where is God? Does He want to help but can’t find a way? Then perhaps He is weak. Is He able to help but doesn’t really care? Then perhaps He is cruel. Yet if He is both willing and able, then why is there suffering? This is one of the most challenging subjects in all of philosophy and religion. All people of faith must be willing to address it with honesty, integrity, and compassion. 

The Bible view is cohesive and relevant, and it’s valuable for Christians and non-believers alike to consider it. After sin was invited into the world by mankind, it unleashed (among other things) suffering of all types. The Bible says this “mystery of iniquity” (2 Thessalonians 2:7) continues to do its work, spreading like yeast and worsening with each generation. It is the cause not only of corrupt behavior but also of disease and death.

Therefore, illnesses, accidents, and natural disasters are primarily the consequences of a fallen world. God, who is all-wise, is never taken by surprise when they happen. Although suffering was not His original design, He can use it to speak to us. One time Jesus mentioned a tower that collapsed, killing 18 people (Luke 13:4-5). He said those who died were not greater sinners than anyone else, yet He added that tragedies should remind us to stay right with God.

The Bible does describe some plagues and disasters as God’s message system, so to speak, for getting our attention. When we become ill, we could ask ourselves if God has something to tell us. But we have no license to tell other people that God made them sick because they deserved it. Conversely, we should never conclude that suffering means God is absent.

Those who don’t accept the Christian view of suffering still have to address it. Is it more satisfying to say, “Your sorrow is meaningless”? Does it help to say, “Just ignore it”? By contrast, it is deeply meaningful to realize that God Himself can redeem our suffering and, through it, form in us something of lasting value.

The beautiful truth of Christianity is that God has entered into our suffering in the person of Jesus Christ. He has experienced the deepest sorrows of humanity, and He cares deeply for those who suffer. He even suffered death itself in order to remove sin’s barrier and bring us back to God. The Savior who wept at His friend’s graveside will one day wipe every tear from the eyes of those who trust Him. 

Until then, coronavirus or not, His presence is as sure as the dawn.

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~7~ Observe a quickly changing world

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS
Look out, look around, and look up [One more post tomorrow!]

In 586 BC, Babylon conquered Judah and erased the last remains of Israel’s self-governed rule. For the next 25 centuries, the region was governed by Persia, Greece, Rome, and various Arabian and European powers. In the early 1800s, the Ottoman Empire had essentially controlled all of Palestine for the previous 300 years. Yet in 1829 a young British man strangely predicted that Israel would again become an independent nation. 

The idea seemed ridiculous; yet, of course, about 120 years later that’s exactly what happened. How could John Darby, a 20-something former lawyer, make such an outlandish claim and be correct? Well, he had given up law and was studying the Bible.

It’s fascinating to consider Bible predictions. It’s not possible to summarize here the Bible’s many fulfilled prophecies (now historical facts) nor its amazing future predictions. Still, some so-called Bible prophecies have been badly misused. I will not be surprised to see click-bait articles trumpeting, “Bible Correctly Predicted Coronavirus Would Shut Down America in 2020!” (Hint: Don’t click.)

An important point is this: There is a difference between what the Bible says *will* happen and what it says *is* happening. Be very hesitant about forcing current events into the Bible’s predictions. Many Christians have damaged the testimony of Christ by claiming that so-and-so is the Antichrist, the world is ending on such-and-such a date, and so on.

Yet Christians can be confident that future predictions will take place, literally and obviously. A coming worldwide upheaval will lead to that beautiful “Hallelujah” chorus when “the kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” Ultimately God Himself will dwell restfully among humanity as He always desired.

In this context, see how quickly the world can change! In only two months a microscopic germ has hung a “Closed” sign on the world’s door as governments share information and make united decisions. Something similar will happen again. Geopolitical, economic, and religious concerns will unite behind a world leader. He will marginalize all who oppose him and even make brazen claims of deity. Today’s coronavirus response shows how the world is already poised, technologically and otherwise, to head in that direction. (Read Daniel, 2 Thessalonians, and Revelation if you want to know more.)

Is it true? Remember how 2500 years of conquest changed so suddenly for Israel in 1948. That’s how God does things: wait, wait, wait, then bang! He acts. And, ever since Christianity began, believers have awaited another Bible promise: the any-day return of Jesus Christ to take His followers to heaven. Living in view of that blessed hope will help us faithfully bear the name of Christ in a quickly changing world.

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~6~ Find the way of wisdom

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS
Look out, look around, and look up

Sometimes people say, “These are uncharted waters.” It’s a common expression. But imagine if you were literally sailing through uncharted waters! No map to guide you, no log from a previous voyage to warn of hidden reefs or dangers. You would have to rely, simply but attentively, on your knowledge of the sea in order to guide your ship.

That’s what it’s like to live by wisdom. Life in general requires wisdom because we never really live the same day twice. But times like these are completely uncharted, and therefore wisdom is all we really have. From medical experts to government officials to ordinary families, everyone has to seek the way of wisdom as we navigate the unknown.

In addition to wisdom for natural things like medicine and education, the Bible view teaches that heavenly wisdom is required for the Christian voyage. James 3:17 describes characteristics of “the wisdom that is from above.” This verse (and others) can help identify some biblical perspectives for the way of wisdom.

First, it’s good to be prudent, though not anxious. Wisdom from above is pure, says James. It does what is right and has no mixed motives. Since our bodies belong to God, we should care for them and follow the best health practices we can. Taking precautions and respecting official guidelines do not imply a lack of faith. Yet obsessive anxieties will prevent us from displaying God’s joy; and in discouraging times, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Second, we should be patient, though not lazy. Wisdom from above is peaceable and gentle. We need calm patience and endurance when normal activities are interrupted. Times of waiting are actually tests of our dependence on the Lord. Are we going to run ahead of Him? On the other hand, this is no time to sit idle! There are people to call, messages to send, video chats to create, neighbors to care for, and, most of all, prayers to offer. God’s agenda always moves forward.

Third, let’s be merciful instead of demanding. Heavenly wisdom welcomes discussion and is full of mercy. Uncertain times lead different people to reach different conclusions, and we need to show mercy to one another when we disagree. This is especially true in the Christian family. In unusual situations, what will we do in our Christian gatherings when true believers try to honor the Lord differently? The attitude of mercy appreciates all that is done with a loyal heart.

In the Bible, the 28th chapter of Job beautifully describes the value and rarity of wisdom. People may discover gold and sapphires, it says-- but where can wisdom be found? Even the birds of the air and the lions of the savanna cannot find its path. But, ah, there is an answer: “God understands its way, and He knows its place” (verse 22). In a time of confusion, let us seek wisdom by seeking the Lord.

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~5~ Find answers for fear

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS
Look out, look around, and look up

A woman was arguing with a pastor. “Don’t tell me that worrying does no good!” she said. “I worry about a lot of things, and look-- most of them never happen!” We might chuckle about the woman’s off-kilter conclusion, but we know we are often right there with her. As yesterday’s comments noted, the question for Christians is this: If we have fears, what do we do next?

We can be certain that God wants to address our fears. From Genesis to Revelation, Bible people in all types of situations heard God say “Fear not.” After we acknowledge our fears, we should receive God’s antidotes and answers for fear, too. Here are four suggestions:

--Fear and faith-- The disciples of Jesus faced great danger during a storm at sea and wondered whether He even cared about them. The Lord calmed the storm around them but also addressed the storm within them: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Faith in the Lord can displace our fears because it tells us that God knows, He cares, He is never taken by surprise, and He is always able to do something.

--Fear and love-- “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:17). This passage emphasizes God’s love for His people as well as the love we should show one another. Revel in God’s love for you! Look how much He has been willing to do to save you and preserve you. And then be intentional about showing love, because unconditional love can overcome anxiety and fear.

--Fear and peace-- In John 20, the Lord’s disciples were together in a locked house because of external fears (sound familiar?). Then the resurrected Jesus came to them! His first words were, “Peace be with you.” He did not eliminate the cause of their fears but gave a blessing to stabilize them. The God of the Bible is the God of peace, and “when He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?” (Job 34:29).

--Fear and joy-- At the first Christmas, when the shepherds saw heaven’s angel, they were filled with fear; but the angel said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). He went on to tell them that the Savior had been born! There is no greater reason for joy than God’s arrival upon earth to deal with our greatest need; and that joy can be more powerful than fear.

Some say there are 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible. That would be nice-- one for every day of the year-- but in my studies I can’t really find a way to support it. Yet there are definitely more than 100 “Fear nots” from God Himself! (There are others, but not 200 more; and some even came from wicked people who were faking it.)

Don’t be sad if the 365 figure is wrong. There are many biblical ways to answer our fears; and even one good “Fear not” can last a long time if we trust the God who said it.

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~4~ Acknowledge fears

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS
Look out, look around, and look up

When we think of the coronavirus and the world’s responses to it, one word that comes to mind is fear. In some ways, though, fear is hard to write about. Are we supposed to accept our fears? Ignore them? Suppress them? Condemn them? I’m going to give this subject a shot while trying to sound neither high-minded on the one hand nor unhinged on the other.

At a very basic level, fear is simply part of the human psyche. Early in life we develop certain fears that are actually important for health and survival. In 1960, researchers designed a “visual cliff” experiment in which infants as young as ten months refused to crawl above a place of perceived danger. Fears which help us stay safe are, up to a point, normal and even necessary.

Somewhere along the way, though, fear can become something else. Some develop irrational phobias like agoraphobia (fear of public places), dendrophobia (fear of trees), and venustraphobia (fear of beautiful women-- I promise I did not make that one up!). Such fears can be very debilitating even though they are not grounded in fact.

Further, all fears are heightened by a sense of the unknown. First-time fliers and million-mile travelers have very different reactions to airplanes. And I’m sure the novel (meaning “new”) coronavirus fits right into this category of unknown fears.

In the Bible view, fear always connects with the existence of sin-- not necessarily *your* sin at a given moment, but the reality of sin in the world. Fears first arose when sin interrupted the relationship between God and people (Genesis 3:10-11). That sin also brought death into the world, so we could say that all our fears, whether healthy or misplaced, are tied to the fear of death (compare Hebrews 2:14-15). Human beings want to survive, and therefore we have fears. (The Christian faith addresses this important point in depth, but I set that aside for now.)

For Christians and day-to-day fears, I love that the Bible addresses our condition with realistic complexity. For example, the apostle Paul said God has not given Christians a “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). On the other hand, Paul once admitted that he felt surrounded by fears because of trouble (2 Corinthians 7:5). Was Paul being inconsistent? No. The spirit of fear-- that paralyzing anxiety which fills and darkens our souls-- never comes from God. Yet if we ever feel afraid, we have not committed a sin by admitting it.

For believers in God, the question is this: If we feel fear, what will we do next? A beautiful expression comes from Psalm 56:3, when David said to God, “When I am afraid--” what then? I will be ashamed? I will cover it up? I will pretend not to be? No. David said to God, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

[Tune in tomorrow for more about God’s antidotes for fear.]

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~3~ Avoid accusations

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS

Look out, look around, and look up

The prophet Jeremiah lived through tumultuous times. When the Babylonian empire conquered the Jewish people, taking many prisoners of war, Jeremiah and a few others were allowed to stay in Judah. But intrigue and deception led to the assassination of an appointed governor and then a spreading, desperate sense of fear.

Leaders among the people asked Jeremiah to request guidance from God. Should they stay in their land or flee to Egypt for safety? Jeremiah prayed for ten days and then received God’s answer: Stay here! All will be well, despite the dangers. “I am with you, to save you and deliver you,” the Lord reassured them (Jeremiah 42:11).

But the next events were shocking. The leaders accused Jeremiah of lying! “You are only saying what others want us to hear. We don’t trust you!” And so they went to Egypt anyway, giving clear evidence that they had already made up their minds before they ever sought God’s perspective. (Read the whole story in Jeremiah 40-43.)

In uncertain times, accusations somehow give us comfort. They replace our anxious, undefined fears with a tangible enemy we can blame for our troubles. But really, accusations only reveal what was in our hearts to begin with.

My Christian friends, in these days we must trust the Lord, and we must not add to the partisan accusations which are flying around social media. I have seen it posted that Americans are being conditioned for a socialist takeover; that the virus was intentionally released in order to unsettle our economy or change our political landscape; that staying home for health reasons will allow “them” (some undefined, anti-American enemy) to win.

Of course we might have opinions about government actions; but conspiracy theories and partisan viewpoints are bad theology. They make Christians look myopic, self-centered, and unstable. Most of all, we must not give the impression that Christianity and capitalism are bedfellows-- or worse, that Christianity is the religion of the Republican party. If we defend economic or political views with the same vigor we use to defend the Christian faith, then we are exposing our preconceptions just like the leaders of Jeremiah’s day.

If the Bible teaches that God has put a leader into office, then we cannot blame a virus or conspiracy if a different leader might take his place. Even if economic dreams collapse or political preferences entirely dissolve, let faith be your bedrock. Biblically-based Christian faith has flourished for centuries in political and economic structures of all stripes.

Certainly no one prays for chaos. The Bible tells us to pray for peaceable lives (1 Timothy 2:2). But sometimes we need to be shaken in order to discover what will actually remain firm when the dust clears (Hebrews 12:27-28). Other worldviews have concepts. Christians have Christ.

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~2~ Care about people

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS
Look out, look around, and look up

The prophet Jonah is probably best known for his maritime encounter with a tremendous fish. But that’s only part of his story. In the mid-700s BC, God sent Jonah out of Israel to preach in Nineveh, the capital of ancient Assyria. His preaching caused the entire city to repent of their wicked ways and turn to God. Strangely, Jonah was deeply distressed by this because, to him, Nineveh deserved destruction rather than mercy.

His reaction was completely tone-deaf. He had never noticed that God consistently called Nineveh “that great city.” And it wasn’t just the size of the city. It was the people. Literally the last word in Jonah’s story is when God asks, “Should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than 120,000 people…?”

As of March 17, 2020, the World Health Organization had recorded 165 countries with coronavirus cases. China had more than 81,000; Italy, nearly 28,000; Iran, nearly 15,000 (and perhaps many more unreported cases); Spain, about 9000. Worldwide, nearly 8000 people had died. Of course, all these numbers are outdated as quickly as they are published.

On the same date, the United States had about 3500 confirmed cases; 58 deaths. With certainty we can say that every diagnosis is alarming and every death is tragic. But, my American Christian friends, do we pity Wuhan, that great city? Or Milan in Italy? Or Qom in north-central Iran? God pities those places because millions of people live there-- people who He Himself made in His image.

We in America are prone to react to the coronavirus based on how it affects us. To some degree this is natural, of course. These are indeed unique times marked by unprecedented quarantines and restrictions.

But let’s not personalize our circumstances as if coronavirus is an attack on our American way of life. That is insulting to the rest of the world. Frankly, it’s also an affront to God-- the God who pities the suffering ones,* having given His Son because He so loved the entire world.

Jonah had to understand that his God was bigger than his homeland. We should all do the same.

____________

*The existence of suffering is itself a valuable discussion for another post. For now, hold on to this: Never misinterpret suffering as evidence that God is absent.

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS: ~1~ Focus on opportunities

CORONAVIRUS AND CHRISTIANS
Look out, look around, and look up

The world is saturated with coronavirus conversations. It will probably surprise none of my friends that I have opinions about it too. ;-) I’ll share a few thoughts here over the next few days, and I invite you to follow along-- if you can bear to read yet another post about the subject!

~1~ Focus on opportunities.
We all prefer the easy road, but the reality is this: It’s challenge, not comfort, that reveals who we really are. Character traits and behaviors like leadership, compassion, and hope can only really shine when we are facing the dark times of trouble.

This should be even more true of Bible-believing Christians. If we are people of hope, this is a perfect time to prove it! If we are people of faith, this is an excellent time to display it. If the love of God through Jesus Christ has been poured into our hearts, this is an opportune moment for that love to overflow into the lives of others.

Kindness is always attractive, but kindness mixed with heaven’s light can be life-altering. A wounded traveler, left half-dead after a mugging, was met by the merciful Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35). Desperate sailors, emptied of hope, heard Paul declare, “I believe God” (Acts 27:25).

Likewise, in your troubled neighborhood, be the giver. In your workplace, be the listener. In your family, be the comforter. Look outward, not inward.

And more than anything else, nurture and share an eternal perspective in the midst of these very real afflictions. “A brother is born for adversity,” says Proverbs 17:17. God has put you in your corner of the world for such a time as this.