Dear Church Family,
I have good news for you. The headline on the satirical website “The Babylon Bee” declares:
Latest Numbers On Coronavirus: 100% Of World Still Under God's Control
“The latest data on the spread of the coronavirus has come in, and the results are clear: 100% of the earth
is still under God's dominion. We've analyzed the numbers, and the one pattern that's emerging here is
that 100% of human beings are still in the loving hands of their Creator," said a spokesperson for
the CDC. "Christ created the world and holds the universe together by the power of His will.
In Him all things hold together. The evidence is undeniable at this point."
While the headline and the paragraph included are satire, there are many spiritual lessons for us to learn during the virus crisis. This one should be near the top of the list! This virus is not an accident. God remains fully in control of ALL THINGS (yes, your mild-mannered pastor yelled). A quick reflection on Joseph’s experience with his brothers gives us hope as we reflect on how God’s sovereign work is seen. Joseph tells his brothers who had sold him into slavery in Genesis 50:29, “You intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Yes, there is another “but God” moment is sacred Scripture. He takes what looks bad and uses it as part of fulfilling His covenant promises. Jesus was of the tribe of Jacob just as Joseph was. Romans 1:20 taught us just a month ago that “God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen.” God’s control over all things is not a one time deal. It is eternal!
In God’s timing the Stated of Faith scheduled for our worship on March 15 (when we did not meet due to the virus) was Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 11. Note carefully how it reads:
Q. What are God’s works of providence?
A. God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise and powerful preserving
and governing all His creatures, and all their actions.
The answer gives us priceless comfort as our all-powerful God is at work governing all things. His glory will be shown and we will see His goodness per Romans 8:28. Theologian Abraham Kuyper wrote profound words that should bring words of praise to our minds and lips. Ponder this with a comforted heart, “There is not one square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”
Pastor Gillikin