Faith and COVID-19: Matthew 6:25–34
I’ve spent some time working through this over the last two weeks and have a random smattering of thoughts on the subject. “Faith and COVID-19” will be a reoccurring theme that I write about, with different topics relating to that theme. My silly “Ranked” theme (first post here) will continue as well.
There has already been a lot said and written by others, and honestly a lot of what I’ll write will simply be a reiteration of what has already been said. So, if at any point you find yourself thinking that what I’ve written is wise, know that the credit is due to another; I learned it from someone else wiser than myself. And if at other points you find something to be unconvincing or foolish, well, blame the writer.
I’m Sad
It’s difficult, and maybe irresponsible, not to start with this.
We’ve all read why physical distancing is important, but now, even just a week into this, let’s collectively say: This. Sucks.
I’m grieving the lives that have been lost, and the many more that will be lost, due to this virus. I’m grieving the thousands of people that have lost their jobs, and the many more that will in the coming months. I grieve for the health care professionals — some of my close friends — who will likely face enormous challenges ahead.
I hate the anxiety and fear this has caused our world, fears and anxieties that are merited because of the uncertainty and disruption this virus has caused.
I’m sad that I can’t physically see my friends or my family for an extended period of time. I already miss meeting with my church small group in person. Multiple friends have had their wedding plans entirely upended and I mourn with them.
I miss spending time at my favorite restaurants. And I’m incredibly disappointed the baseball season has been postponed for the foreseeable future, especially with the amount of hype and excitement that had surrounded the Twins this offseason.
The list goes on.
I know I mentioned in my first post that I wanted to keep this positive and fun — and I still very much intend on keeping it that way — but it felt inappropriate not to take a moment to mourn over everything that is going on.
But enough with sadness.
Matthew 6:25–34
I take an immense amount of comfort in this passage. It’s so good!
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
These words come directly from the One who created the universe. The One who is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving. This situation is not out of His control, nor did it catch Him by surprise. If the One who spoke creation into being says “do not worry about your life,” I need not worry about my life.
That alone is reason to trust, but He continues on and gives more reasoning why we need not worry.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you — you of little faith?”
Simply put: God feeds the birds. God grows flowers for the fields. We are more valuable than the birds or fields. Therefore, God deeply cares about our physical needs and will provide for his those who trust in Him.
But even more importantly, if we go back to the beginning of the passage, we see Jesus define an even greater reason not to worry. When we bring our questions of: “Am I going to lose my job?”, “How are we going to pay for rent?”, “How do we beat this virus?” — even the question of “Am I going to die?” — the Lord responds with a question of his own that entirely changes the nature of the conversation.
“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
What a paradigm shift! Rather than focus on our physical needs, which we already saw God cares deeply about, He reminds us that life’s purpose is entirely different and larger than that.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
He turns our eyes away from worldly concerns and draws them up to focus upon His kingdom and His righteousness.
There is very real comfort in this. It is not theoretical. Our anxiety and blood pressure can actually be calmed as we think upon these things. What a hope there is for those who trust in Him!
Encouraging References Of The Week
Both come from pastors at Hope Community Church, which is down the street from my church, Bethlehem Baptist. I’m having some issues embedding the posts here directly, and will try to come back and fix, but for now links will have to do!
Kyle’s Cumulative Quarantine Stats
Days Without Leaving Apartment Complex: 2/5
Days Only Wearing Sweatpants: 2/5
Days Without Engaging In Person With Another Human: 2/5
I’ve done a lot better the last three days getting out!
Socks of the Day
Unique Activity of the Day
Went for a walk along Minnehaha Creek with my mom. We kept 6 feet apart!
