Jesus is the answer…to the pandemic
Water cooler conversation:
What was your biggest win this week? What was your biggest challenge?
What was the hardest challenge you faced since the pandemic began?
What is one positive change or accomplishment you experienced since the pandemic began?
Unpack the Message:
Jesus is the Answer to the Pandemic
In 2020, overdose deaths rose 30% to 92-93k deaths
In 2020 the third leading cause of death was COVID-19
41% of US adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from 11% in 2019
There is no question the pandemic has had a significant impact on every aspect of our lives. We've all had to adjust to "the new normal." Whether you're anti-vax or pro-vaccine, COVID has changed how we live and interact, transforming the world around us.
In Hebrews 6:13-20, the author addresses a group of believers with a strong Jewish heritage. He references Genesis 22, detailing God's promise to Abraham, swearing by His authority that Abraham would have many descendants. God further makes an oath that what He has promised, He will do. It is impossible for God to lie, so "we can be greatly encouraged by the hope we have in Christ Jesus."
Jesus has invited us into the presence of God through salvation, offering perpetual atonement for us. That is why we can confidently say Jesus is the answer to the pandemic. He alone is our hope.
Hope is not wishful thinking. Anything we place our hope in on this earth is fallible, but God is omnipotent with perfect integrity. Our hope is built on God's promises because He has the character, resources, and eternity to do what He says He will do. God's promises will not change. Remember, He added an oath to his promise—He does not, will not, cannot lie. This is the foundation of our hope and our faith.
Jesus provides refuge as we find our hope in Him. Hebrews 6:18 says, "God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged." Fleeing implies that we need refuge—hope in Jesus provides that refuge so that we may place our trust in Him.
When ships drop their anchor, they point their bow into the wind, so they're pointed in the right direction should a storm arise. This is why the author of Hebrews tells us that hope in Jesus provides "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19a). Placing our hope in Him means that no matter what the world throws at us, even if our world is rocked like a ship in a storm, we stay pointed in the right direction, safe, firm, and secure with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Hope in Jesus provides a glorious future because He is our forerunner. No matter what the ongoing COVID crisis throws at us, we have peace knowing Jesus goes before us. Hope in Jesus provides a glorious future. We can know our glorious future because of the hope we have in Jesus, founded on the promises of God.
Additional Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3; Romans 8:18-30; Romans 5:1-11; Romans 12:2; Colossians 1:15-23
Why is it significant that God never changes? How does this make you feel?
How does the fact that God's promises never change impact your ability to trust Him?
Are you holding on to a promise, or are you starting to wonder if God cares about your struggle? How should this message challenge your mindset?
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." How does fear keep us from doing what God wants us to? How does the devil use fear to distract us or drop our anchor in the wrong direction?
Read John 20:19. Dealing with fear means facing our sins and weaknesses. Jesus' disciples were forced to face theirs after they'd all run away during His trial and crucifixion.
How do Jesus' words to them also apply to you?
How does a more mature understanding of the Christian faith receive these words?
How should it frame our outlook during the pandemic?
Read Romans 8:38-39. What does this text say to you? Think of a time when you have been fearful. What helped you to get through that time?
Make a Move:
What battle have you fought over these past months? Many of us are tired, anxious, or even angry over the circumstances we thought would have changed by now. Memorize Philippians 4:6-7. Meditate on these verses every morning before you get out of bed, as you prepare for your day, any time during the day when you begin to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or agitated. End your day by once again meditating on the promise of these verses.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, these past months have challenged us in a way we couldn’t have imagined. We are tired, frustrated, and discouraged. We claim the promise of Philippians 4:6-7. We lay our burdens at your feet and ask for Your peace that surpasses understanding so we may guard our hearts against the lies the devil tells us. Help us to place our faith in You alone so that we not only survive this pandemic, we are a beacon of hope to a lost world, and so people far from God may be brought to a saving knowledge of You.
Worship Set:
The Gathering