“…for such a time as this.” Esther 4:17
Life. 2020. 2019 and then 2020. Internet memes focused on 2019 ending because surely 2020 could not be any worse than 2019. And, well, now we have COVID-19 running amok and as many opinions about it as there are people. Should you be scared? Should you practice social distancing? Should you go about your life as if nothing has changed? This is not a spot for those answers.
I am no medical expert so I will not pretend to be one. I think the only thing I can claim to be an expert on is chicken sandwiches, but there are a couple things I do know and they could be pertinent to life and what is going on right now:
- Christ is on His throne: Isaiah 6:3
- Christ is what my mind should focus on: Col 3:1-2
- Christ gives peace: John 16:33
- Christ commands us to love: Matthew 22:37-39
1. Christ in on His throne
Isaiah 6 makes it clear that the Lord is seated on His throne. He is King. He is Lord. He is on His throne. This is echoed again in Revelation. It is the picture of our King, eternally seated on HIs throne. We are his subjects. He is not an earthly King, but a King that we cannot even bear the presence of. Our unholiness and unworthiness is made painstakingly aware when we see the King on His throne.
2. Christ is what my mind should focus on
While earth is where I currently live and dwell, it is not what should consume all my thoughts. Colossians 3:1-2 talk about setting our mind where Christ is--seated at the right hand of God. That is where we place our thoughts. That allows one to be in a world where things are going crazy and to not be consumed by it. It allows one to make decisions and do things without worry. It allows one to look beyond the current struggle and to look at things in an eternal mindset. It allows one to love your neighbor without worry.
3. Christ is the peace giver
Trouble is inevitable for many of us, this is evident now more than ever. There are financial uncertainties that make it seem like the world is crashing down. There are many uncertainties with COVID-19 and whether you'll get it and what it may or may not do to you. The world is uncertain right now. Jesus is not--"I have overcome the world." Focus on Him. Set your mind on Him. He will give you peace in this uncertain time because he is certain.
4. Christ commands us to love
Our task and command has never been laissez faire. We do not get to sit back and watch the world. We do not get to let things happen around us without caring for people. This does not mean to be stupid and to put people in danger, but there are ways you can still love and help people and point them towards Christ while we are in this time. It will look different for everyone and all situations, but don't use this as an excuse to not love people or to not care.
All of this to say that if you are a believer, you do not get to sit this one out. You do not get to wait and "veg" out in the comfort of your home with no thought of anyone else. If people are really out there dying from this thing and are scared for their life, we go. We love. We actually live a life that is different because we are different. Christ has made us different and has made it clear to us that He is above all of this. Know your limitations. Don't be dumb and infect someone. But don't use this as an excuse either. This is our time. There is a reason you are alive right now. Live that reason.
"...for such a time as this."
