7 Good Words for the Time of COVID-19
Good Friday 2020
1. Forgiveness
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
We are all cooped up at home. Some of us are dealing with roommates, partners, or children all day. Conflict is inevitable. But bitterness and resentment are not. Jesus forgave His enemies as they killed Him. He forgives us for all the wrongs we have done. And He gives us the power to forgive those who hurt us.
2. Salvation
Verily, I say unto you, today thou shalt be with me in paradise.
COVID-19 could kill any of us. We all have to consider the reality that we could die soon. But we do not have to fear death. Because Jesus died in our place, He offers all who come to Him freedom from the fear of death.
3. Relationship
Woman, behold thy son. (Says to disciple) Behold thy mother.
Social distancing has left many of us are isolated and lonely in our homes. Especially the elderly and poor. But Jesus offers us family: brothers, sisters, mothers, and a Heavenly Father.
4. Abandonment
My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?
It is easy to feel like we have been left completely alone. Like no one cares. Jesus felt that too. As He died Jesus was abandoned by God the Father. But because He was abandoned, completely, cosmically alone, we never have to feel that. Jesus promises, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
5. Distress
I thirst.
Jesus wasn’t just fully God. He was fully human. He got dehydrated as He died. He is actively working — right now — for the hungry. Food banks, homeless shelters, and GoFundMe pages are all His way of providing. When we pray to Him, we know that He is sympathetic to our basic needs.
6. Triumph
It is finished.
Smallpox killed 300–500 million people in the 20th century. Today it exists only in a secure lab. It is eradicated. A disease that ravaged humanity for over 10,000 years is defeated.
COVID-19 will be defeated. But we all know that something else will come along. A war, a virus, or something worse. Death and disease are inescapable parts of existence.
But Jesus conquered their root when He died. And when He returns He will destroy death itself.
7. Reunion
Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.
It’s not enough to see our loved ones through a screen. We want to hug them, eat with them, dance with them. And one day we will. One day soon. But even that day of pales with the joy Jesus will bring when all the dead and living will be reunited for ever and ever.
