A Good Friday Message During The Pandemic of 2020.
If you have wondered about that, please read on. It is one of many questions posed in times of human suffering. Questions such as “Why did God let this happen?” “Why do bad things happen to good people?” In an attempt to answer these perplexing questions, some have suggested the new coronavirus is God’s warning, or His judgement on a fallen world. Throughout history, people have claimed that earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and a myriad of natural disasters were sent by God. Sent to cause sinners to repent and turn to God. The same was said about 9/11 and other human-caused disasters.
So, what is the truth?
Here it is. No, the loving God of Creation did not plan, cause or send COVID-19. What He did plan was a perfect garden home for His children, without sickness, disease or death. Read about it in first two chapters in Genesis. He created a perfect natural environment free of plagues, pestilence, storms, droughts, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, poverty and famines. His intention was for the first family to multiply and extend that beautiful paradise worldwide.
Well, if God doesn’t cause such calamities, why do they happen? you may ask. Here’s why. Both natural and man-made disasters are consequences of corruption. Nature and mankind itself became infected, polluted and broken. It is the result of the rebellion of the first man, Adam. We are experiencing the horrible, residual results of humanity turning against the Creator. We live in a corrupted world where bad things do and will continue to happen – even worsen, until Jehovah God brings this sin-damaged world to an end.
God’s Plan to End Suffering
God takes no delight in humanity’s suffering. We are His children and He loves us. But, a price had to be paid to satisfy His perfect justice. He had a plan to provide a way out for us. In the sentencing of Eve (the mother of mankind) in the third chapter of Genesis, God revealed His plan for bringing the suffering to an end, and to free mankind from the curse. During the sentencing, God told His enemy, Satan (who used the serpent to deceive Eve with his lies), that the descendant of the woman (Eve) was going to vanquish him. He said…
And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”
Genesis 3:15 NKJV
In God’s redemption plan, the promised Seed (Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God) was to sacrifice His life on a cross for all the sin of mankind. More than 2000 years ago, He did it… took all the sin of the world upon Himself and received our punishment, thereby reversing the curse of Adam. Out of His great love for you and me, God gave His Son, and the Son offered up His sinless life as an payment for our sin. Christians commemorate that horrible, but blessed event each year on Good Friday.
The crucifixion was not an ending, but a beginning. Because of the death, burial and subsequent resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ, which we will celebrate Sunday, we can look forward with hope. By believing this good news and receiving Him as Savior, one not only receives eternal salvation, but peace and comfort in knowing that some day all this suffering will end. The whole of creation itself is eagerly awaiting the time when the corruption and suffering will end (see Rom. 8:19-22).
God’s Plan for You
God is not angry with you. He desires only good for you, not to punish you by inflicting you with disease, suffering, poverty and death.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Because God loves you, His plan is for your salvation, good health, safety, peace and prosperity. This Good Friday, choose to worship Him as you remember the great sacrifice Jesus made all those years ago to make these things possible for you. On Resurrection Sunday, recall and celebrate that He arose from the grave to give you the hope of eternal life.
Together with other believers, we look forward to a new world, free from disease, sickness and death.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 NKJV