Christ > CoronaSample

Blessing #1: Teaching Us Our Mortality

Moses once prayed, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) The daily death count in countless headlines is a reminder that we are dying. All of us. Some die sooner, some later. Some pass of more natural causes, others of this ruthless virus. But the fact that corona could infect us and then end us is a message many of us need. Our flu shots and First World health care can make us feel immortal until a virus too small for the eye to see shouts of our frail humanity. We are but dust, as each passing day proves. (Psalm 103:14)

No wonder, in the very next verse, Moses cried out: “Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.” (Psalm 90:13) Given our mortality, we need God to relent, to hold back every virus and form of violence that would cut our days short. We require his compassion, his kindness, and his mercy, or we won’t make it. One clueless virus carrier could cough one time and, with one breath, your life could be changed forever. God, have compassion! Relent!

Yet in the midst of it all, Moses knew exactly what we need. He recognized the truth that transforms our fears into joyful faith: “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days!” (Psalm 90:14)

This was my go-to morning prayer back in the days when Corona was just a Mexican beer. These days, I pray it still, but with more passion. So much has been taken away, yet God’s love has remained. The unfailing nature of his affection for us is the source of gladness that allows us to sing “all our days,” these crazy days included. You might be mortal, but the unfailing love of Jesus, displayed on a cross, is the key to your immortality.

So admit how quickly your life might end. Then remember that through Jesus your life with God will never end. 

Because Christ > Corona.