Good News in the Midst of Covid 19

Introduction

The Covid 19 pandemic continues to overwhelm mankind like a series of dark foreboding tidal surges. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently lists four Variants of Concern (VOC), Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.[1] As of September 2021, in the state of Washington alone, over 8,000 have died; in the US, over 700,000; in the world, over 4.5 million… all lives lost to an invisible and mysterious enemy, SARS-CoV-2.[2] According to Bloomberg: “In the battle against Covid-19, governments around the globe are on the cusp of becoming more indebted than at any point in modern history, surpassing even World War II.” [3] How should Christians respond to these challenges? Knowing who we are as believers in Jesus Christ and being willing to submit to the mandates that governmental authorities and businesses impose upon us in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic opens the door for the gospel.

Knowing Who We Are as Christians

Knowing who we are as God’s children makes all the difference in how we respond to challenges like the Covid 19 pandemic. For this reason, Jesus and His apostles consistently remind believers of who they are in Christ. Consider the following very brief exposition.

A Heavenly Citizenship

The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians about their heavenly citizenship:

3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

3:21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body , according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.[4] (Philippians 3:20-21; underlining added)

As born again believers, knowing our citizenship is in heaven produces an eager anticipation for the One who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body . Just like Paul, one day soon, all born again believers will all stand in the direct presence of our Lord and Savior and receive glorified resurrection bodies. Small wonder that Paul declares, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). Knowing who we are means recognizing our heavenly citizenship and longing to be with Jesus.

Resurrection and Life

A very fine brother in the Lord often reminded his flock, “Everyone wants to be with Jesus, but no one wants to die.” [5] The mystery of death can produce all manner of spiritual turmoil... even for the most steadfast of born again believers. When Martha lost her brother Lazarus, her first words to Jesus were, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21). Jesus calms Martha by having her reaffirm her faith in Him as the resurrection and life.

11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

11:26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? ” (John 11:25-26; underlining added)

Jesus asks, Do you believe this? The Greek pronoun translated “this” is a neuter meaning “do you believe my promise to you, namely that I am the resurrection and the life, the One who promises resurrection ( He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall life.) and eternal life ( And, whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.)? When Martha responds, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (John 11:27), she affirms her personal testimony in accordance with His promise—“though she may die, she shall live (resurrection); and living, she shall never die (eternal life).” Only Jesus’ promise of resurrection and life brings peace in the face of death. Knowing who we are means continuing to believe Jesus’ promise and resting in the truth… though we may die, we shall live; and living, we shall never die.

Brought Forth by The Word of Truth

The Apostle James exhorts his beloved brethren not to be deceived (James 2:16).

1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth , that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

(James 1:17-18; underlining added)

The greatest example of the good and perfect gift is being brought… forth by the word of truth. All born again believers have been brought forth or born again by the word of truth. It is a gift received freely by faith in Jesus and His promise of eternal life. Knowing who we are means not being deceived—of His own will the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning, has brought us forth by the word of truth—it is the foremost example of our Lord’s good and perfect gift.

Believing on Him for Everlasting Life

According to the Apostle Paul, God the Father saved us not according to our works, but according to His purpose and grace, … revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:9-10). In a previous letter Paul reminded Timothy that he obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life (1 Timothy 1:16; underlining added).

Paul’s words to Timothy reflect the way Jesus shared the gospel. In John chapter 6, consider the promise of life Jesus offers as the bread of life: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life (John 6:47-48). To believe in Jesus as the bread of life is to believe His promise of eternal life; to believe His promise of eternal life is to believe in Him as the bread of life. The Apostle Paul believed on Jesus for everlasting life; he believed the promise of eternal life as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Knowing who we are means you and I are children of His promise. Like Paul, we now live eternal life as a pattern for others who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life .

Having Been Justified

The Apostle Paul reminds the Romans that they have already been justified and are now at peace with God.

5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

(Romans 5:1-2; underlining added)

Having been justified , ours is a hope of glory: And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4). Later in his letter, Paul explains:

8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together . (Romans 8:16-17; underlining added)

Knowing who we are means knowing we are already justified and at peace with God, and that our sufferings in this world make us joint heirs with Jesus; … t he sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Begotten to a Living Hope

Writing to born again Jews in the dispersion, the Apostle Peter reminds them that they have been begotten to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:3). Lest they doubt the certainty of their eternal destiny, Peter tells them they are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5). Knowing who we are means knowing God begot usto a living hope, a heavenlyinheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that we are kept by the power of God, Himself.

A Chosen Generation… His Own Special People

Again in 1 Peter, the apostle reminds his audience who they had become through faith in Jesus.

2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ;

2:10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

(1 Peter 2:9-10; underlining added)

By application, all believers, both Jew and Gentile, are aspecial people to our Lord and Savior that (we)may proclaim the praises of Him who called (us) out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Summary

The Apostle John reveals the importance of abiding in that which you and I have heard from the beginning:

2:24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father .

2:25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.

2:26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. (1 John 2:24-26; underlining added)

The apostles consistently strive in their writings to keep God’s children from Satanic and worldly deceit by reminding them who they are as born again believers. From this brief exposition, you and I are God’s children who:

· have a heavenly citizenship and longing to be with Jesus;

· are living eternal life now and guaranteed a glorified resurrection body;

· have been brought forth by the word of truth as a gift from the Father;

· are living the promise of eternal life as a pattern for those who will believe on Jesus for eternal life;

· have already been justified and are now at peace with God;

· are begotten to a living hope , an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.

· have been made His own special people that wemay proclaim the praises of Him who called (us) out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Knowing who you and I are as God’s children makes a huge difference in how we interact with the world, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Contrary to some popular theologies, the Scriptures make it abundantly clear, we can neither lose eternal life, nor abide in Jesus with uncertainty regarding whether or not we have been born again. [6] With resounding confidence in His word, you and I know who we are in Christ… For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)… Covid 19 or not, who we are as born again believers will never change.

Obedience to the Commandments of Christ

The Law of Moses no longer provides the rule of life for believers; instead, under the New Covenant, the commandments of Christ or law of Messiah or Christ instruct the believer. [7]

Friendship and Abiding in Jesus’ Love

Prior to going to the cross, Jesus reveals to His disciples the importance of abiding in Him and obeying His commands.

15:9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love , just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

(John 15:9-10; underlining added)

Keeping Jesus’ commandments allows you and I to abide in His love, and as a result His joy remains in us (John 15:11). Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12). Abiding in Jesus and obeying Him are essential to an effective witness, because they reflect our love for Him and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

In his first epistle, the Apostle John explains the significance of keeping Jesus’ commandments.

2:3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments .

2:4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

(1 John 2:3-5; underlining added)

John’s exhortation to know Jesus correlates with Jesus’ exhortation to obey His commands with the result, you are my friends if you do whatever I command you (John 15:14). Friends abide in their Lord:If you keep my commandments, you abide in My love (John 15:10); whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him (1 John 2:5). For the born again believer, the opportunity to know our Lord and Savior is an invitation to intimate friendship based upon obedience to His commandments.

The Call to Christian Virtue

At the heart of Jesus’ commandments resides a call to civic virtue based upon the cross. When dissention arises among His disciples regarding who is first in the kingdom (Matthew 20:21-24), Jesus articulates a radical distinction between the world of the Gentiles and His kingdom.

20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.

20:26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

20:27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— (Matthew 20:25-27; underlining added)

As Christians, our paragon of civic virtue is not the many who lord over others, but the one who serves. This simple truth runs throughout Jesus’ many parables about servants and stewards, and is firmly anchored in His person and ministry: just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

If Jesus being fully God gives His life on the cross to ransom lowly man from the depths of sin and eternal death, then how should His disciples behave towards others? The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians:

2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus ,

2:6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

2:7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross .

(Philippians 2:5-8; underlining added)

Again, the mind or manner of thinking Paul exhorts is summed up by Jesus’ words and actions: the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28); in Paul’s words, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).

Serving Requires Submission to Others

Servants submit to the needs and commands of others before serving themselves.

17:7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat’?

17:8 But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?

17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. (Luke 17:7-9)

Jesus reminds His disciples of this simple truth; the needs and commands of the one served come before the needs of the servant.

Biblically to submit is to arrange one’s self under the authority of another—according to Walter Bauer (BDAG) to “subject oneself, be subjected or subordinated, obey.”[8] The Greek word translated submit is a compound word, ὑπο meaning “under” and τάσσω meaning “to arrange.” Picture a hiker who, caught in a storm, finds a barn and arranges himself under the roof to keep dry from the rain; God empowers specific individuals with authority to act metaphorically like the barn roof that keeps the hiker dry from the rain. Believers submit to governmental authorities, masters, and one another. Even wives arrange themselves under the authority of their husbands. In each instance, faith in Jesus and His word allows believers to submit to or arrange themselves under the authority God places in their lives.

The Power of Submission

The Apostle Peter provides insight into the power of submission in the believer’s witness (1 Peter 2:9-10).

2:11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles , that when they speak against you as evildoers,they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

(1 Peter 2:11-12; underlining added)

What does abstinence from fleshly lusts and having conduct honorable among the Gentiles look like to the unbeliever in the day of visitation? The Apostle Peter illuminates three areas of submission critical to our evangelistic witness: 1) governmental authorities (1 Peter 2:13-14); 2) masters, both good and gentle as well as harsh (1 Peter 2:18-19); and 3) husbands (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Ironically, the Apostle Paul strikes an extraordinarily bold line in his letter to the Romans: Let every soul be subject (ὑποτασσέσθω) to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God (Romans 13:1). Submitting to good, morally sound governmental authority seems intuitively right for the Christian, but note that Nero (54-68 AD), one of Rome’s most immoral and corrupt emperors, was in power when Paul penned his letter to the Romans (57 AD). By the permissive will of God, Nero was emperor, therefore Paul calls believers to arrange themselves under the authority of Nero and those administering his government, the governing authorities. Lest the point be missed, Nero was still in power and his excesses well known when the Apostle Peter instructs believers in his first epistle (63-64 AD): Therefore submit (Υποτάγητε) yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good (1 Peter 2:13-14). If Paul at the beginning and Peter at the end of Nero’s reign instruct believers to submit to governmental authority, then clearly Nero’s proclivity to wickedness neither subverts God’s permissive will in allowing him to rule over Rome, nor affords believers the wholesale opportunity to disavow governmental authority under Nero. [9]

In his letter to the Ephesians and Colossians, the Apostle Paul calls believers to obey their mastersin all things… not with eyeservice, but in sincerity of heart fearing God… for you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:22-25, cf. Ephesians 6:5-8). Again, note the basis for obedience or submission is Godly service to the Lord Christ. The Apostle Peter instructs in a similar manner, but goes even further:

2:18 Servants, be submissive (ὑποτασσόμενοι)to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

2:19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

(1 Peter 2:18-19; underlining added)

Submission to a good and gentle master makes intuitive sense, but submitting to a harsh master and suffering wrongfully requires faith in the Lord that it is commendable… because of conscience toward God. Again, believers ultimately submit to God’s permissive will through masters whether good and gentle or harsh.

The Apostle Paul instructs wives, submit (ὑποτάσσεσθε) to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord (Colossians 3:18; cf. Ephesians 5:22). Again, Peter reveals the significance of submission in marriage:

3:1 Wives, likewise, be submissive (ὑποτασσόμεναι) to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

3:2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

(1 Peter 3:1-2; underlining added)

Husbands who do not obey the word may refer to believing or unbelieving spouses. The wife’s Godly submission and chaste conduct may win the disobedient husband to faith. Again, faith in God and His word provide the confidence necessary for wives under challenging circumstances. Submission remains the consistent message of both the apostles Paul and Peter.

Sanctify the Lord God in Your Hearts

Peter closes his extended exhortation (1 Peter 2:11-3:16) by returning to his evangelistic theme introduced in chapter 2, verses 11-12.

3:13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

3:14 Buteven if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

(1 Peter 3:13-16; underlining added)

Being followers of what is good encapsulates the believer’s submission to the authorities God places in his or her life that… even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed . Again, the believer’s faith in God and His word remains the anchor that allows obedience or submission to others; sanctify (set aside) the Lord God in your hearts. The command to always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed is the bookend to Peter’s initial exhortation to have your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).

Summary

Although the Mosaic Law is no longer the rule of life for the believer, the commandments of Messiah or Christ instruct believers under the New Covenant. Abiding in Christ requires obeying His commandments. Obedience reveals our love for Jesus and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Friendship with Jesus is based upon obedience to His commandments. Our love for Jesus and friendship with Him remain essential to our witness.

Jesus calls His disciples to a life of servanthood that reflects His example: just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). To serve requires submission to the needs of those we serve. The Greek word for submit is a compound word meaning to arrange one’s self under. Biblically, believers are called to submit themselves to or arrange themselves under the authorities God places in their lives.

The power of submission in the believer’s evangelistic witness resides not in the believer or the earthly authority submitted to, but in the Lord whose commandments the believer obeys. According to the Apostle Peter, you and I may well suffer wrongly, at the hands of governmental authorities, masters, husbands and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ; nonetheless, you and I are called to submit,sanctify the Lord God in (our) hearts and give a defense… for the hope that is in (us). Our Christian witness takes precedent; we remain servants of our Lord and Savior and the good news of the gospel.

Conclusion: Good News in the Midst of Covid 19

Who could imagine that a viral pandemic would sweep through the world in 2019-2021 causing death and financial hardship for so many? Who could imagine fighting a virus with face masks and social distancing mandates, or being told to get vaccinated or risk losing a job? Too many families have lost loved ones, both young and old. Around the globe, sadness abounds, and yet the good news of Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life has not changed.

The light of the gospel shines forth brightly in God’s children. As born again believers, you and I:

· are citizens of heaven longing to be with Jesus;

· are living eternal life with the guarantee of a future resurrection body;

· have been brought forth by the word according to the will of the Father;

· are a pattern for those who will believe on Jesus for eternal life;

· are already justified and at peace with God;

· have been begotten to a living hope , an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven… ; and

· are God’s special people to proclaim the praises of Him who called (us) out of darkness into His marvelous light .

If you and I light a candle and place it outside at noon, perhaps those close by will see it. But, if our Lord takes the same candle and places it outside at midnight, the candle’s light is visible from 3 miles.

Jesus came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. His example remains our example of civic virtue. When we abide in Christ and obey His commandments, you and I are friends and witnesses to our Lord and Savior, and the good news of Jesus Christ becomes like a candle on a moonless night. Indeed, the tragedy of the Covid 19 pandemic allows the light—who we are as born again believers and the good news of the One who brought forth life in us—to be seen from miles around. The light of Jesus Christ has not dimmed; may you and I always be faithful servants who sanctify the Lord God in (our) hearts, and (are) … ready to give a defense to everyone who asks… a reason for the hope that is in (us), with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).

Copyright © 2021 by Frank Tyler; you may copy, print and give away freely, but you may not sell.