The Coronavirus crisis has revealed what we already knew. It has alerted us, all at once, to the pain and suffering around us and within us. Here are five things I have been grieving, five things the global pandemic has painfully reminded me of:
1. The brokenness of our world
We live in world that is broken and fallen, a world where such a virus can exist. We join creation in groaning for the day when this world will be set free from “the bondage of decay.” (Romans 8:21)
2. The suffering behind the façade
As many people have been instructed to “stay at home,” they have been instructed to stay in place that is the least safe in their lives. Behind painted front doors with reefs hanging on them, there is abuse. Behind the smiles there is immense suffering as more people are struggling with mental health. We long for the day when this suffering ends!
3. The pain of loss
C.S. Lewis profoundly and succinctly stated, “The death of a beloved is an amputation.” There are many people walking through life, in this season, feeling as if they lost part of who they are. So much loss in this season! People are losing loved ones to the dreaded disease. Business owners are losing what they spent years building. People are losing jobs. Dreams have died, for many. We long for the day when all that is lost will be restored.
4. The injustice of racism
The bigotry and racism directed towards Asian Americans in this time reminds us of the evil in our world. To view any people with disdain is to violate the character and desire of our God. Racism is treason against God’s creative design and His consistent pursuit to populate heaven with people from all peoples. Oh, we long for the day when we worship alongside people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. (Revelation 5:9)
5. The sting of isolation
The sting of not being able to gather, of not being able to touch, of not being able to connect with others is sharp and painful. A day is coming when there will never be suspended gatherings or “stay at home” orders! We will be gathered to the One who has rescued us.
The Coronavirus has reminded us how much we long for the glorious day that is coming. And that glorious day is coming because of the glorious resurrection of Jesus – our Savior who has already conquered sin and death on our behalf. Our Risen Savior who walked out of a tomb has assured us of our glorious future. If Easter is true, then so is the future day when all the pain and suffering will be undone.
Because Jesus is alive, we will one day say, “Where death is your victory? Where death is your sting?” (I Corinthians 15:55)
Because Jesus is alive day is coming when “our corruptible bodies will be clothed with incorruptibility. Our mortal bodies will be clothed with immortality.” (I Corinthians 15:54)
Because Jesus is alive a day is coming when our “dishonor and weakness will be raised in glory and power.” (I Corinthians 15:43)
We celebrate Easter with confidence of a second Easter – a day when all is made right.
