How to Handle Coronavirus
There is a perplexing passage in the first recorded gospel of the Christian New Testament. Jesus heals one man, twice in one interaction. The passage can be found in the book of Mark chapter 8 verses 22 -26.
This is a timely passage to call upon as it is perplexing in nature and we are existing in perplexing times. Right now, the nations of the world find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. As leaders there are countries to run with bills to pay and mouths to feed. Yet the coronavirus and it’s resulting disease COVID-19, poses a threat, like “I got 99 problems” and now there’s another one. There is business to take care of with money to be made and problems to be solved. But, with mo’ money comes mo’ problems. At once, it is normal to echo the candid thoughts of one Atlanta preacher who thought out loud, I don’t care about nobody’s health, there are bills to be paid!
In the text referenced above, Jesus happens upon on a man whose life reflects our corona crazed world. Let’s compare:
A few facts about the corona virus.
It is an infectious virus that enters the body (mouth, eyes, nose) through contact with droplets from infected parties. Just like any other viral infection. Distance and limited contact are key to prevention.
There are two parts. First, the virus, coronavirus is a family of viruses that are known. Second, this new strain of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) can develop into a serious disease known as COVID-19.
The virus presents itself similar to the flu. Those exposed will often experience mild flu-like symptoms.
The danger is concentrated on the elderly, those who are already experiencing ailment, and the immunocompromised.
The best response is to practice simple hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly and often, cough into the crease of your elbow, or even with a disposable tissue, don’t leave home when sick or when exposed to sickness, stay home and practice wellness regimen until recovered.
A few facts about the story:
The man is blind. A common condition in 1st century society.
The story takes place in Bethsaida. A small town that held significance in the 1st century Rome, as it was simultaneously named Julia for the emperor’s daughter as a symbol of who the region belonged to.
There is a crowd and a separation from that crowd. Quarantine is not new.
Jesus spits. Many times the truth of the matter is that it gets ugly before it gets better.
The man’s vision is restored. The chaos is the climax not the conclusion. It is a moment for God to step in when it seems impossible.
Here is a man who has a common concern but has become a local phenomenon. This was not the first blind man. This would not be the last blind man. Yet, here is an entire village roused in hysteria seeking that this one blind man be healed. What about all of the other blind people? Where were all of the sick people in the village? Was the only person who needed a miracle?
Beloved, this virus that we are facing is a scary phenomenon. Countries all over the world are reporting new cases by the hundreds, some by the thousands each day. The news cycles are dominated by it and it seems to be the central fixture of conversations everywhere.
Let’s be clear. This isn’t the first time we’ve experienced a virus. This isn’t even the first coronavirus. But, what is new is this particular virus resulting in this particular new disease.
Similarly, this isn’t the first story about blindness in the Bible. This isn’t even the first story about healing blindness. But, what is new is the healer having a do-over. Why would Jesus have to lay hands on this man twice? Why would this blindness allow this man to see well enough to distinguish men and trees but still see them wrongly? It just doesn’t seem right.
It doesn’t seem right that out of all the ailments that humanity faces, one case of disability would be the headline of the village. Where was the concern for those with leprosy? Where was the concern for those were deaf? Where was the concern for those who were battling terminal illnesses? Doesn’t seem right.
The passage is short, but, here is the key. In verse 23, two critical things happen. First Jesus addresses the man’s environment. In the narrative, Jesus leads the man out of the village. Sometimes things seem to being going wrong in life and the temptation is to try harder at what you’ve been doing. The temptation is to put more effort into maintain the status quo. But Jesus demonstrates for us that healing happens by habit. In other words, changing your cycles, amending your appetites, charting a new course, these are the ways to experience the healing power of transformation. Letting God lead you into something new. Secondly, Jesus asks the man a question. “What do you see?” He asked. That question opened the door for the man to share some backwards perspectives that he had. Evidently he had vision prior to being blind or he was very presumptive. The former is more likely as his observation indicates that there was something wrong. By acknowledging the he could see but that he couldn’t see correctly, Jesus was able to illustrate the passage in Jeremiah 5:21. Not everyone with eyes can see. Not everyone who has ears can hear. My grandmother would have said it this way, “every closed eye isn’t sleep.” Just because something appears one way does not make it law.
So in the age of coronavirus, let me encourage you. This is not the end. Those we have lost to this potent virus are a grave and serious loss. The threat of over saturation for our healthcare system, that this sickness poses is real and ought to be taken seriously. However we will not by ruled by fear (II Tim 1:7). “We will not fear what [everyone else] fears and we will not call calamity what they call calamity.” (Is 8:12). These are troubling times but Jesus has promised victory over sickness, over pain, over sin, even over the sting of death. Yes coronavirus is serious. Yes it is a pandemic. Yes By the stripes of Jesus, we are healed. Yes people have died. This moment is less about an argument of what we have to do to get grand spiritual guarantees and more about an encounter. Like the man in Bethsaida, what we need is an encounter with the God who leads us out of our old habits and helps us to see things as they really are. A God who heals not only our physical eyes, but our emotional eyes, relational eyes, financial eyes, political eyes, sexual eyes. We need an encounter with the God who is willing to help us learn from the mistakes of the past and build from them. Rather than entrench ourselves in village of old habits only to suffer the symptoms of doing the same things the same way over and over expecting different results.
We can learn something from this coronavirus. Hygiene must be taken seriously. We cannot afford to play around with our health. Wash your hands. Teach your children and children you have relationship with to wash their hands. Be diligent about getting rest and managing stress by leaving time for mental health routines and emotional health routines. Exercise. Eat well. Do not go out spreading your germs when you are sick. Business can wait, deals can get done when you return, decisions can be made when you are well. Stay home and drink plenty of fluids if you are unwell. If your symptoms are atypical, CALL before you go to your primary care provider. It is important that your sickness does not spread in waiting rooms and that medical professionals can prepare for your treatment before you arrive.
Be blessed. God has not forsaken you. God has not abandoned you. You are an overcomer. Diseases will come and go but the word of God will stand forever and his word for you is victory.