Covid 19

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Scripture: Philippians 1:21
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.[1]
Devotion
            With all the talk of the corona virus and all the fear that has been instilled in the peoples of the world you might wonder what to think or do next. As I see it Paul’s words from Philippians really hit home. They speak to Paul’s faith and his certainty that regardless of the results of his upcoming trial in Rome he would come out a winner no matter what. My prayer is that we all come to see life as he did.
            What would you fill in these blanks with? For me to live is ___________ and to die is ______________. Take a moment to consider how you would fill in those blanks. Would it be something like this:
“For to me to live is money and to die is to leave it all behind.”
“For to me to live is fame and to die is to be forgotten.”
“For to me to live is power and to die is to lose it all.”[2]
           
            As Christians we should be able to say to live is Christ. For Paul and for us Christ should be the source of excitement and joy in living. It is difficult with all the news coverage this virus is getting to avoid feelings of anxiety and even panic, but God’s word tells us hundreds of times not to be afraid. But we just can’t help ourselves the fear and panic close in like storm clouds on a sunny day blocking out the light and casting us into darkness.
            Thinking about death is something we would rather not do, but Paul is hopeful even in death. So, should we be. Not morbidly desiring death but willing to accept it if it comes our way. Understanding that we have a hope for the future even in death if we know and follow Christ.
            The apostle John writes in 1 John “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.”[3] No matter what happens as a result of this virus we are called to love. That means even loving those who come down with the sickness. Especially the elderly and the vulnerable.

Let us pray:
            Heavenly Father we know that regardless of how the world seems to be spinning out of control you are still on the throne. We can come before you with all our fears and insecurities and hand them over to you. Help us to be grateful for each day you give us to live on this earth. May we share Christ always with our friends and neighbors. If we must let us die let us die a good death without fear of what comes next. But in a sure faith let us live each day we have to the fullest.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Php 1:21.
[2] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 70.
[3] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), 1 Jn 4:16–18.

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