How are you? How is your week going? These are such uncertain and frightening times.
As we are isolated in our homes, it’s so easy for us to be isolated with our own thoughts. And knowing the human condition, our thoughts can run wild, and we can be left paralyzed by our fear and crippled in our anxiety.
The recommendation/executive order placed upon us for social distancing is for our good. It is for our safety. This virus is invisible to the naked eye, and it can travel from person to person without any symptoms. We are told to view everyone as potentially having the virus and acting like we ourselves are currently carrying it.
While this order is for our good and should be obeyed, it can drive us to a state of panic and terror. Who has it? Where is it? What can I do to be safe? Do I have it?
Although this virus started halfway around the world, it has now reached our doorstep. I personally have friends and family who have been directly impacted by this outbreak.
In the midst of the chaos, fear, anxiety, illness, and death, one word comes to mind: brokenness. We are broken. Our world is broken. Our relationships are broken. Our health is broken. This virus is a visible picture of our brokenness.
Although COVID-19 is a serious problem in this world, we know that it is not the only problem. There are so many problems wrong WITH us. And they all start with the main problem IN us: SIN.
When sin came into the world, illness and death came into the world. Because of sin, we hurt others. Because of sin, we retaliate against that hurt with a far worse offense. Because of sin, we choose rather to do nothing than to do good. Because of sin, we have a broken relationship with God.
Pastor Dan talked about this truth during this past Sunday’s sermon on Genesis 34, the Rape of Dinah. There is so much brokenness in that passage, and it reflects our society today.
Sin is even more invisible than COVID-19. Sin is far more pervasive. With COVID-19, we presume and act as if everyone has it. But with sin, we can know for sure that we all have it. It is the universal destroyer. COVID-19 may lead to physical death, but sin will lead to eternal death.
We are broken. So what is our hope? Our hope is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Next week is Passion Week. Why do we celebrate Good Friday and Easter? It is because those two events have changed the course of history forever.
Jesus has taken on our brokenness. He was broken on the altar of the cross so that we may be made whole. Jesus took on our sin and bore the wrath and judgment for us, so that we may not be condemned. Jesus took on the ultimate death for sin, so that we may not fear death. Instead, we can have the hope of resurrection glory.
Jesus was raised from the dead, and one day, we will be raised as well. One day, we will be restored completely, and on that day, there will be no more sickness, sorrow, sin, and death.
This pandemic is showing us that we are not in control. We do not know the cure yet. We don’t know what the future holds. But we do know this: we are broken in our sin, but God in His grace restores us and makes us new. God is the One who is in control. He is the One who is the ultimate cure to the ultimate brokenness in sin. He holds the future, and He is holding us in Christ. And there is no better place to be.
Join us for Livestream Worship this Sunday @12:45pm. Continue to pray for one another and this world.
Also, next week is Passion Week! We are going to pray each evening until Easter! We will also have Good Friday service. More information will be sent later this week!
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
Photo Credit: Here