What Does the Corona Virus Pandemic Have to Do with Easter? - Mark 16



“Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”Mark 16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

What Does Easter Have to Do With the Corona Virus?
    
1. What we are going through right now feels like Good Friday? Though it pales in comparison to what Jesus did on the cross, we are experiencing some of the same things the Jewish community was facing after Good Friday.  Jesus followers were scared, scattered, and locked in their homes in fear and uncertainty.  What would be the new normal? Would things ever be the same?  This pandemic feels like Good Friday but there will be an Easter. This isn't going to last forever.  There is life on the other side.

2. God can work all things together for good.  We have already seen this haven’t we?  Quality time with our immediate families. Long walks, family meals, game time, movies and even worshipping together online in our homes.  On Good Friday, the very worst thing happened to the very best person.  Why do bad things happen to good people? It's a question people often ask.  Jesus took the worst thing and made it into the best thing, salvation for the world.  The cross was bad, but on Easter it was turned into good.

How is God using this trying time your life? Are you using this time for a reset of what is important? Like me are you usually on the treadmill of life afraid to get off?  God can turn this horrible, deadly virus into good for those of who love God and are called according to his purpose. 

3. Jesus is ahead of us.  The women were afraid they didn't know what this meant for their future. But the angel said Jesus is ahead of you.  Jesus is ahead of this virus.  God sees where this is headed.  It is temporary.  We will get through this.  God promises us he will never leave us or forsake us. God never goes back on a promise. Jesus told his disciples he will be with them until the end of the age.  He is with us. 

As we celebrate Easter tomorrow remember let's say with the rest of the world, "He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!"  

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