During these strange days of COVID-19 quarantine in our homes, the Bible passage that keeps coming to my mind is the message that was delivered when another unprecedented event occurred in the world.
God’s people lived in fear of the occupying forces in their homeland. They were barely hanging on to a 400-year-old promise (not 4 weeks, not 4 months) that help was on its way. They had just about given up, and then the God of the universe entered time and space in the form of a tiny, vulnerable package with ten fingers and ten toes and a hungry belly. Only a few people had any idea of his imminent arrival. And then, the heavenly media response was to send a whole choir of angels to a few smelly, dirty shepherds on a hillside near Bethlehem. Whose marketing idea was that?!
The first thing one of the angels said to their audience–because it was obvious that their arrival was terrifying–was, “Fear not.”
This was actually the first Bible passage my mom helped me memorize when I was a child (see photo at left): the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke 2. Let’s consider the truth of Luke 2:10-11 in relation to the 2020 world events swirling around us now. And, I’m going to use the beloved old King James Version, because that’s the one I learned.
“Fear not” . . . there must have been some fear detected. God made sure that human emotions were addressed first because God understands our weaknesses. Are we acknowledging the fear around us–and maybe even within us–brought on by the COVID-19 crisis? What words of hope and love are we seeking in the Scriptures? How can we offer those same words to others? Can you make phone calls or send cards to your neighbors and friends or to people in the hospital or assisted living centers? You don’t even have to know someone’s name to send a card to an address.
“For, behold” . . . or another way of saying this is “Look” or “See.” The shepherds couldn’t help but see this amazing and glorious sight of angels before them. This reminds me to consider whether I’m looking for signs that God wants me to see during this COVID-19 crisis. How about in the acts of kindness that are being quietly conducted for neighbors? How about the acts of courage among grocery clerks, EMTs, and all healthcare workers? How about in the extra down time to just be with our families?
“I bring you good tidings of great joy” . . . those shepherds needed some good news and it came from the most unexpected place. And while we know the end of the story about the grown-up Jesus, those shepherds only knew that a baby had been born. They had no idea how his life would play out. They responded with an expectant attitude (see Luke 2:15-16) even though they didn’t know the whole story. What are my expectations in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis? I certainly did not expect to get to spend some precious time on FaceTime on the computer helping my grandchildren with their school reading assignments. I did not expect that my own limited technology skills could help others to connect with friends and family. Now, what other positive things could I expect?
“Which shall be to all people” . . . this little word “all” changed everything. This baby–this Savior–did not belong just to God’s Chosen People, the Jews. This baby belonged to all of us. This COVID-19 crisis is making us realize just how connected we are to the whole world. An infection that began on the other side of the world has reached some of the most unlikely places on this side of the world. And when a cure is found, that, too, will belong to all the people.
“For unto you is born this day” . . . God is always very specific. God knows the who, what, when, why, where, and how of every detail of anything that happens. God knows who is suffering with COVID-19 and is with them every moment. COVID-19–as powerful as it may seem–cannot separate us from the love of God.
“In the city of David a Saviour” . . . Even though our God is infinite in every way, our God comes to us wherever we are and meets our individual needs. The greatest need anyone has ever had–more than even a need for a cure or a paycheck–is the need for a Savior. The COVID-19 crisis is reminding us of this every day. And we have access to this Savior through a simple prayer to God acknowledging our need and admitting our inability to save ourselves.
“Which is Christ the Lord” . . . The title “Christ” is the Greek version of the title “Messiah.” Jesus was already Christ the Lord when he was born. We can’t really understand all that implies theologically, but we can trust it because every promise Jesus ever made has come true, and that’s the only cure on which we are absolutely dependent.
Join me on Tuesday, March 31 in two ways:
- Help me RE-LAUNCH my book on Amazon by purchasing a Kindle version (NEW!) of God Chose a Woman First at a discounted price of just $4.99 AND/OR by submitting a REVIEW of the book on the Amazon page. Either of those will be extremely helpful ON THAT DAY!
- At 2:00 pm (Central time), join me on my Facebook page @womensministrycoach for my first Facebook Live event to talk about “Faith, Fear, and Family.” Hope to see you there!
Please share in the Comments section below some ways you are seeing God at work during this COVID-19 crisis.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.