This, Too, Shall Pass
By Monroe Miller, Connectional Sons of Allen President
The Bible provides information on religious festivals that acknowledge God’s acts of celebration in the lives of the Hebrew people. Passover is one of three such festivals. It appears in Exodus 12 and references the last of the 10 plagues. Lambs’ blood was placed over the doorposts of the Hebrews’ homes, causing the death angel to pass over the firstborn of the Israelites in Egypt.
The Hebrew people remained steadfast. Though fearful, they made it through the challenges that were beyond their control. God revealed himself and spoke to the people through his servant Moses with signs and miracles of encouragement saying, “this, too, will pass.”
I, therefore, pin here words of faith, hope, and joy. Although we appear to be overwhelmed by the coronavirus, this, too, shall pass.
The Christian Church is comprised of resilient people. We are created to bounce back, rebounding stronger and better. People of faith are oftentimes persecuted, forced to endure challenges and struggles, and even knocked down. Yet, like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, we will rise again. As people of faith, we ride the storms, get up, shake off the dust renewed by God’s grace, and keep moving. During these uncertain times in our lives, we must walk by faith and not by sight. Yes, we believe that this, too, shall pass.
This pandemic has inundated and challenged our world. People of all nations, races, cultures, religions, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds have been affected. This virus is not a respecter of persons nor status. Once again, as people of faith, our beliefs and convictions are grounded in God who has previously brought us through uncertain times. Yes, this, too, shall pass.
While a large number of churches are closed for worship, pastors and parishioners are finding innovative and creative ways to worship through the use of technology. These methods allow us to practice social distancing in compliance with governmental and health professionals’ guidelines.
Many Christians have welcomed these innovations with excitement. However, these new methods have presented challenges to many because they deviate from the traditional, standard norms and practices. They disrupt personal comfort zones. Regardless of the style of worship we embrace, traditional or technological, God loves us. We will come through this pandemic stronger and wiser because we are God’s people. Our faith will continue to grow because we are resilient. This, too, shall pass.
Historically and globally, people of faith have found themselves navigating periods of epidemics, pandemics, or infectious diseases such as smallpox, chickenpox, influenza, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and other coronaviruses. The faith of our fathers and mothers helped to sustain us, allowing God to bring us through these times, and He shall bring us through COVID-19. As we journey through distressing seasons in our lives, do not falter; we will persevere because we are covered by the blood of the Lamb. This, too, shall pass.
In Jesus and the Gospels, Craig Blomberg discusses the Passover as a favorite feast of the Jews. It is a reminder and commemoration of the escape of their firstborn from death. The Jews were intimidated, terrorized, subjected, and degraded by harsh, cruel, and inhumane treatments; yet, God delivered them because they were covered by the blood. The Jews experienced the authentic meaning of the words, “This, too, shall pass.” Thus, the Passover is a reminder that no matter what comes in our lives, we are not to fear, deter, lose hope, nor become despondent or disturbed.
Today, we find ourselves asking the questions, “Why is the coronavirus different from other viruses?” “Why does this virus appear to be affecting people differently?” As people of faith and the church, we are challenged to share the answer that God is still God. Although COVID-19 is different and acts in different ways, God is the same. God is omnipotent and omnipresent. This, too, shall pass.
The blood of Christ reminds us that even though our church doors are closed on Sunday during this pandemic, we will not falter. The blood of Christ reminds us that we must go through what we are going through but will not deter. The blood of Christ reminds us that although we are worshiping via social media and technology and practicing social distancing, this, too, shall pass. COVID-19 will pass! Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! This, too, shall pass.
