As our Governor here in Georgia methodically enables more businesses to re-open, we slowly slip from the shackles of quarantine and return to a new normal that many of us wonder and worry whether it will resemble anything like the old normal. The Wuhan virus will definitely leave a scar.
Could things be worse? As a thought exercise, envision the gruesome scenario of a more deadly pandemic. What if catching this virus meant death was certain—a 100% fatality rate? Consider the paralyzing fear, hopelessness, and sheer terror such a plague would cause. Life would be an agonizing and anxious struggle under an ever-present cloud of dread.
Now imagine the relief and joy from the discovery of a vaccine. Think of the party and celebration that a cure would produce! We’d be dancing in the streets partying like 1999!
Continuing in this thought exercise, imagine being the parent of a special male child whose blood was unique such that he was impervious to this deadly virus. However, to create the life-saving vaccine, required your child’s life. Thus, the dilemma to save the world from the deadly virus, your son had to die. Would you sacrifice your son? You certainly would not do so if there was another way—an alternative path to rescue the world.
This scenario represents an accurate illustration of our metaphysical reality. Since the fall of man, every human is infected with the virus of sin and death is absolutely certain. There is a cure. Last month, Christians celebrated the discovery of an empty tomb—the evidence that victory over the ultimate virus (death) has been won. This virus also left scars; just ask Jesus.
Christians should note three important takeaways. First, is an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy that we have received the cure that leads to eternal life. Second, we should have a heightened sense of urgency to share the Good News of this cure with others. Finally, we should recognize the cure was costly, but it was the only solution. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by Him.
