Honoring God in a Pandemic

Back in March of 2020, I doubt many of us expected COVID to be at the top of our minds in September 2021. But, discouraging as it is for many of us, here we are. As the elders have talked about how to handle the recent COVID surge, we’ve been reminded there is a spiritual aspect to all of this; below are a number of my observations about how to honor God during these times. 
 

Remember God Is in Charge

The Westminster Confession tells us in Chapter 3.1, “God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass.” This sentence is jam-packed with theological concepts that have filled entire books, but this is the gist: whatever comes to pass is not an accident, not a detour, and not plan B; it is part of God’s eternal design. COVID wasn’t a surprise, the delta variant wasn’t a curveball, and the surge in cases didn’t catch him off guard. Christians, take comfort! Horrible as they are, the events of this past year have only happened because they are part of God’s good plan established from eternity past. 

Not only is God sovereign over the big picture, but he is also sovereign in the smaller details. Just as God knows every hair on our heads, he knows where every single COVID virion (a single virus particle) is. He’s counted them all, and when they multiply, he already knows their number. He knows where they are going and how they are spreading. While scientists grasp desperately at these things, God sees and knows all these things; most importantly, he is in charge of it all. 

Perhaps there is no better doctrine to familiarize yourself with during a pandemic than the sovereignty of God; belief in that sovereignty both frees and compels us to live differently in a number of ways.
 

Pray

In times of suffering we are called to humble ourselves and pray. God’s plans were set from eternity past, yet by some mystery he calls us to pray for relief. Prayer shapes us more into God’s image. Prayer opens us up to be used for God’s purposes. Prayer reminds us that God is in charge of everything. Prayer is where God’s people pour their hearts out to him. Has COVID drawn you to greater prayer? 
 

You Cannot Add A Day to Your Life

While the health and wellness industry brings in billions of dollars, Christians know a deeper truth: we cannot extend our lives. I don’t mean you should treat your body with reckless abandon–this would be testing God–, but no matter what you do, you will live exactly as long as God has planned. Psalm 139:16 says, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” What a comfort to know that all our days are laid out by a Father who loves us, and we can’t cut our life short or prolong it. 

This doesn't mean we should carelessly test God; the moment God has planned may be sooner than you think. But neither can you prolong your days with an abundance of caution. This understanding is like the bumpers on a bowling lane. It keeps us from living irresponsibly or thoughtlessly, but it also keeps us from locking ourselves in our homes. Knowing God will care for us frees us to go about the work he has called us to do.
 

Consider Others Above Yourself

Many of the debates (do we wear masks? where and how should we meet? do we practice social distancing?) revolve around data and studies and so on. While these are important, Christians also need to consider this: what shows a concern for others? 

So many–healthcare workers, teachers, those who’ve lost family members–are worn down by or grieving what they’ve seen and experienced over the last year. The little things like wearing a mask without complaint or observing COVID precautions is a great way to honor them and show that you care for them. Regardless of your opinion on these precautions, they communicate care and concern for those who have been personally affected by COVID. Remember Philippians 2: “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” And then it goes on to list all the reasons why Jesus could have taken advantage of his rights and privileges as God, but instead laid those things down out of care and love for others. Christians should be known for that same attitude.
 

Don’t Assume the Worst About Others

I’ve often heard people say, “I can’t believe they’re walking around outside in masks–they’re living in fear!” I’ve heard others say, “I can’t believe they aren't wearing masks; they must hate science.” But as I’ve talked with people on both sides of the spectrum, I’ve rarely found their reasons to be so black and white. People have (often personal) reasons for making the decisions they do. Perhaps someone they know suffered terrible side effects from the vaccine; perhaps they are caring for a sickly parent and want to be as careful as possible. Unfortunately, so many people jump to the worst conclusions for why people make the decisions they do, but Christians should by default assume the best of others.
 

Don’t Overlook Your Own Fears 

Related to this is a tendency to quickly point out others’ fears while being blind to your own. “I’m not worried about the virus like others; statistically, very few die. I’m not going to live in fear.” But this is often accompanied by an unrecognized fear of the vaccine or the government. Others don’t worry about the vaccine or government overreach but seem to have missed their own paralyzing fear of COVID. As Christians, let’s be less quick to point out others’ fears and more willing to examine our own.
 

Give Thanks for Science, but Don’t Worship It

In ancient times, people believed the universe operated in chaotic and unpredictable ways, usually at the whims of volatile and moody gods. It was the Chrisitan worldview, underpinned by a God who spoke to create and uphold an orderly world, that led to the scientific revolution. The laws of science are our attempt to describe the speech God used to create and sustain. Today, Christians should not be dismissive of science, but give thanks to God that he’s allowed us to understand his world in such detail. Within our Reformed tradition, medical advances and vaccines are things that, historically, have been celebrated and welcomed.

We should also give thanks for how so much of scientific research recognizes what we would call total depravity. Double blind studies, open data, and replicable studies do much to minimize biases and other things that can contaminate or skew data. Before criticizing science, we should understand all the work that goes into ensuring that any one person, government, or agenda cannot manipulate scientific research. This doesn’t mean it can’t happen, but it’s harder than many of us realize. 

Additionally, we ought to be careful in drawing our own scientific conclusions. It’s often recognized that one semester of Greek or a few months of self-teaching can do more harm than good for one’s understanding of Scripture. Eager students often make exegetical and linguistic fallacies left and right. Their cursory understanding of Greek makes them more likely to misinterpret Scripture. It’s only after deeper study that one begins to understand the complexity and nuance of the language. Likewise, many people’s  cursory understanding of the relevant science may do more harm than good. While it is good to stay informed, that ought to be tempered by intellectual humility toward those with the  hard-earned knowledge and expertise.

However, we do need to be careful not to put our faith and trust in science. As I mentioned in last week’s sermon, Martin Luther said faith and trust can turn anything (including science) into a god. I’ve always felt uneasy when people say, “Science says ___,” as if Science were a person who reveals absolute truth. Science can’t speak. Science is always changing. Humans observe, interpret data, and speak about what they find. Then they refine and adjust their conclusions as they discover more. Sometimes I wonder if the language of “science speaking” betrays our society's tendency to make an idol out of science. Ultimately, science won’t save us, it won’t end the pandemic, it won’t fix the deepest issues of our world. God, not science, speaks the authoritative word. In the end, we must rest in him. 
 

Seek Refuge in God

Perhaps most importantly, during difficult times we should remember that God is our refuge. Suffering is an opportunity to draw in closer to the one bigger than our plague; let’s not waste it. I encourage you to become familiar with Psalm 46. It’s a powerful reminder that God is our refuge during times of unrest and turmoil. We do not find safety by escaping or ending the pandemic, but by finding refuge in the God who is present in the pandemic.

In Christ,
Pastor Jon