Coronam Vitae vs. Corona Virus (Devotion #11)
CORONAM VITAE VS. CORONA VIRUS
“Keep the Faith”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
If I take the beginning of 2 Timothy chapter 4 and just focus in on the verbs this is what it looks like:
“I charge you…preach…be ready…reprove, rebuke, and exhort…be sober-minded…endure…do the work…
I have fought…I have finished…I have kept.”
Does it sound like Paul expects Timothy to kick back and relax? Does it sound like Timothy is planning to live a nice, peaceful, cushy life? Or does it sound like it’s going to be a fight and a race to the finish?
These words fight and race aren’t chosen arbitrarily. Paul means that your life in this world is truly a fight and a race. The evil one is always at work in this world stirring up temptation, sin, unbelief, sickness, war, death, and more. Even now he is busy using the coronavirus to take away our hope and peace and joy and cause us to doubt God’s goodness. While this life is full of many joys and blessings, coronavirus is also reminding us that this life is full of sin, sickness, and death.
But in Christ we find the strength and the joy to fight and race. Jesus fought and raced for us and has won for us a crown of righteousness. Paul is picturing the great athletic competitions when the winners would receive a garland or “crown” on their head after winning the race. It’s not unlike the Olympic medal ceremonies today. Just like Paul, we thank God that our crown and medal is waiting for us. It’s “laid up” for us because Christ has won it for us.
In the meantime, we fight and we race.
Fight the good fight with all your might;
Christ is your strength, and Christ your right.
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Your joy and crown eternally.
Faint not nor fear, His arms are near;
He changes not who holds you dear;
Only believe, and you will see
That Christ is all eternally. (LSB 664:1,4)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have laid up for us a crown of righteousness which our Lord Jesus Christ won for us through His death and resurrection. Give us Your Holy Spirit that we may fight the good fight and keep the faith. We commend to You all who do not know You and do not believe in Jesus Christ that You would use this time of suffering to turn their hearts to Christ who suffered for us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.