Introduction. During this time of calamity, our first tasks are to meditate often on God’s Word and to be in constant prayer. As the pandemic rages and with all the uncertainty, it will be important for us as Christian leaders to model confidence in the Lord, even as we tenderly share the gospel. Many are looking to us for guidance and reassurance. Only time in God’s Word and seasons with him in prayer can prepare us. Biblical truths can help undergird our work and guide how we respond. Here are a few on which to meditate.

Truth One: The Evil is Real

This pandemic is evil. It is the result of a fallen created order. Sadly, this frightening virus will continue to bring sickness, suffering, and death. When Jesus faced the brokenness of the created order, it grieved him. We, too, should sorrow over this pandemic. To do otherwise fails to properly name evil. Our people want us to tell the truth and be sober about the danger we face. This leads to our first biblical response in the face of the viral calamity.

Model Lament 

A lament is a passionate expression of grief, along with a complaint to the Lord for help. Lament is actually a wise initial response to harm, injustice, and a pandemic like we are now facing. The Bible is filled with expressions of lament, especially in the Psalms.

An appropriate response of lament does not exclude a mixture of joy. As we model a proper lament over the evil that is befalling our communities, pastors and Christian workers need to exhibit all the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.).

Truth Two:  God is In Control

God is sovereign, and this includes his ultimate control over evil. The God of Scripture alone is omnipotent; COVID-19 is not. Jesus taught his disciples that God cares even for the sparrow; yes, the very hairs of our head are numbered. Sin, sickness, and death, like Satan, cannot step over the boundaries that God sets. He alone is God; we can rest in him. This is a great comfort. We must exhibit a strong trust in God’s wise and benevolent rule of the world – even in the face of COVID-19. There is a mystery here that we acknowledge, even as we faithfully confess God’s absolute reign. If we model such trust, with the Lord’s help, others will imitate us. This is our second scriptural response.

Teach Trust by Example

What makes a biblical perspective on lament spiritually healthy is its attending trust in the Lord and an assurance of ultimate and enduring joy. We find this pattern in Psalm 94. David cries, “How long, LORD, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?” But then David confesses, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

The most heart-rending lament ever uttered is found on the lips of our Savior as he faced the horror of the crucifixion.  He cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus was not role-playing; his lament sprang from the depth of his sense of abandonment in the face of evil. But Hebrews 12:2 tells us that it was for the “joy set before Jesus” that he endured the cross and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. 

In 1 Thessalonians 5, we are taught that in the face of death, we are not to grieve like other people who have no hope. This does not mean that we are not to grieve at all. Jesus himself wept over Jerusalem for their unbelief and wept at the tomb of Lazarus. But he wins the final victory, and so we, too, can rejoice.  We are wise to learn to lament again. May the Lord help us to lament well, and then to rejoice with God’s people as we together trust in Him and wait for his final victory. 

Truth Three:  God Is with Us in Our Suffering

The Lord enters into our suffering. While both good and sovereign, our God is also a God of perfect compassion and lovingkindness. He cares for us, not from afar, but as one intimately involved in the created order and in human history. God truly cares. He has supremely exhibited this love in the incarnation and in his self-sacrificing work on the cross on our behalf.  Jesus shared our humanity and suffered so that he could more fully and empathetically help us when we suffer (Heb 2:14-18). We can come to him in our time of need, he understands and is able to rescue us. This leads us to another response.

Be Present in Prayer

One of the most important things we can do for God’s people, and for the lost, is to be with them in their suffering, and especially to be with them in prayer. Because of the “social distancing” demanded by the pandemic, this is a challenge. As pastors and Christian workers, we will need to be careful and creative in finding ways to be with people and to pray with them. They desperately need us at this time. Much like medical and law enforcement personnel, minsters, may on occasion, need to be on the front line of the pandemic. Take all necessary precautions but be ready to be with those who so desperately need their pastor. May the Lord grant each of us wisdom in this difficult matter.

Truth Four:  Evil and Suffering Will Be Defeated

Evil, including this terrible pandemic, will ultimately be defeated. This is the proper context in which to understand a verse like Rom 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God’s timetable is not ours – but the ultimate victory is sure. It is a victory won by Christ in his death and resurrection for the sake of the world, and in his certain return to make all things new. This will not only bring relief from sin, sickness, death, but it will also bring us into the glorious inheritance of the children of God. Oh, what a wonderful day that will be! This is our hope, a final response.

Encourage with Hope

While we lament, and trust, and pray with our people, let us also model the hope which the gospel gives. People need hope, and only the gospel fully provides it. N.T Wright wrote an interesting book entitled, Surprised by Hope. One might not agree with everything he teaches, but he helpfully describes the New Testament vision of hope. The gospel and the beautiful end of the story which the New Testament presents, give people the hope they need even in the worst of times. In the face of death, this hope survives: eternal life in a new heaven and earth with all those who find salvation in Christ. Hallelujah! Above all, let us continue to preach God’s Word and share the gospel – especially in the face of this calamity, whose end is sure. Thanks be to God!

***There are many wonderful articles and blog posts coming from pastors and theologians at this time of crisis. This is a blessing. I encourage you to read the best of this material, weed out the chaff, and continue to share with one another what is valuable.