by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: What lessons have we learned since the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus began directly affecting our physical and spiritual families?
Brethren, this is the fourth week since the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus began directly affecting our physical and spiritual families. What is the message of the last month? What lessons have we learned of late?
The current crisis communicates several clear lessons. In my mind, four thoughts stand out in particular: (1) We must distinguish between what seems certain and what is certain. (2) We must recognize that Satan seeks to exploit every situation, either good or bad, for his evil ends. (3) We must realize that God is always in control. (4) Therefore, we should look to the future without fear, trusting in God, obeying His will, trying to do the best we can in the face of life's uncertainties.
We must distinguish between what seems certain and what is certain. Spiritual maturity enables us to make proper judgments. After rebuking Israel for their present duplicity, Malachi anticipated a time when the faithful remnant would again "distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him" (Mal. 3:16-18). Paul prayed that the Philippians, growing in love and knowledge, would be able to "approve the things that are excellent," i.e., draw proper conclusions, or discover what is essential (Phil. 1:9-11).
How can one properly distinguish between what seems certain and what is certain? The adjective "certain" may be defined as "able to be firmly relied on to happen or be the case" (COED). It refers to that which is "fixed, settled" or "dependable, reliable" (Merriam-Webster).
From day to day, and year to year, some things seem constant, but can change in a moment. Abnormal becomes the new normal. Consider the contrast between apparent certainties and actual certainties reflected in Psalm 46, written by the sons of Korah, who affirmed that "God is the Refuge of His People."
Turmoil and tragedy swiftly struck Job; in a single day, his life was transformed from prosperity to poverty, and from being a protective and proud father to grieving the loss of all his children; yet, in the midst of great loss, Job manifested great faith (Job 1:13-22).
Consider the calamity that struck ancient Egypt when Pharaoh stubbornly refused Moses's demands, "Let my people go. . ." (Exod. 5:1-2). In a few short months, the grandest and most enduring kingdom of antiquity was humbled and broken through a succession of ten plagues, and the subsequent destruction of the army of Pharaoh (Exod. 7:3-5; cf. 14:17-18).
Note the proverbial pronouncements of the catastrophe that comes upon wicked and worthless persons: "His calamity will come suddenly; instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing" (Prov. 6:12-15; cf. 29:1-2).
The Triune God revealed in Sacred Scripture—the One True God composed of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is an absolute certainty. He is constant, consistent, and always reliable (Ps. 102:25-27). The author of Hebrews applies this language to Jesus (Heb. 1:8-12; cf. 13:8).
While men are often vacillating, divine principles do not change. Foreshadowing the coming of Christ, who would purify and refine His people, so that they might offer acceptable worship, God says, "I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed" (Mal. 3:4-6, esp. v. 6).
Divine truth communicated through Sacred Scripture is tested and tried, sure and steadfast (2 Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30). Therefore, God's people can trust in His promises (Gen. 15:13-14) and rely upon His warnings (Josh. 23:11-13). Acknowledging man's limitations and God's limitless power, may we take refuge in the Lord and rely upon His revealed word: "Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." Yet, this implies a related demand and relevant duty: "Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar" (Prov. 30:2-6, esp. vv. 5-6).
Those who allow themselves to be molded in the image of their Maker also manifest a consistency of character and commitment: In contrast with the Judaizers, Paul was not vacillating. Writing to the Corinthians, he said, "As God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no." Paul consistently taught the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (2 Cor. 1:17-20). Furthermore, on a personal level, let us recognize that conviction is derived from faithful obedience: "Be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble" (2 Pet. 1:10-11).
Second, we must recognize that Satan will seek to exploit every situation, either good or bad, for his evil ends. Eve was tempted through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (Gen. 3:1-6; cf. 1 John 2:15-17). Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, appealing to his covetous spirit and exploiting his lack of personal integrity (Luke 22:3-6; John 12:4-6). He exploited Simon Peter's self-confidence (Matt. 26:33-35; Luke 22:31-34). Don't give him an opportunity by yielding to character flaws, such as dishonesty or laziness, uncontrolled anger, covetousness, corrupt speech, cruelty of spirit and callousness of heart, etc. (Eph. 4:25-32). Although the devil is a fearful adversary who seeks our destruction, he can be successfully resisted (1 Pet. 5:8-9; Jas. 4:7).
Third, we must realize that God is in control at all times and every circumstance. God says, "For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine" (Ps. 50:10-11). Our heavenly Father feeds the sparrows, adorns the lilies, and richly provides for us (Matt. 6:25-30). He cares for His own, guiding, feeding, sending showers of blessings (Ezek. 34:23-26). Although the Egyptian Pharaoh of the Exodus and Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, learned this lesson the hard way, let us never forget that the Most High God rules over the realm of mankind and there is no one like God in all the earth (Exod. 9:13-16; Dan. 5:21).
Finally, we should look to the future without fear, trusting in God, obeying His will, trying to do the best that we can in facing life's uncertainties.
The prophet Habakkuk serves as a case study: His world was falling apart. Calamity was about to strike: "Why, O Lord! Why? Israel is undeniably wicked, fully deserving divine punishment, but how can You use Babylon as the means of punishing Your wayward people?" God patiently addresses the prophet's perplexity, explaining His plans and purpose, offering comfort and guidance.
The key verse of this short book, frequently quoted in the New Testament, is "the righteous will live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4; cf. Rom. 1:16-17; Gal. 3:10-11; Heb. 10:38-39). Faith is the key. Faith is the victory.
May we learn to distinguish between what seems certain and what is certain. Recognizing that Satan seeks to exploit every situation, may we be perceptive enough to not be victimized by his malice and manipulation. Understanding that God is always in control, may we, like Habakkuk, learn to trust in Him, even when "the way things are" turn out to be vastly different than "the way things were" and not at all "the way we wish they might be" (Hab. 3:16-19).
Concise Oxford English Dictionary. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson, eds. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 1996.
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His personal website is markmayberry.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com
