Reflections (surge)

We find ourselves at a critical point in the battle with Covid-19.  We have a new understanding of the word surge.  In our current context it means the spike in new cases of coronavirus is so fast and steep that it overwhelms the medical system.  We practice social distancing in order to blunt the surge.
There is a parallel in our Christian year.  This is Holy Week.  Perhaps you have taken some time to read through the events of Jesus' week leading up to the cross.  There was a surge of resistance to Jesus that would end on the cross.  I am guessing their surge was more dire, even than ours.
I ask the question, what is the Christian response to the surge? 
Some people respond with a splurge.  They grab all they can.  They empty the shelves at the store.  We have all read the tales of this happening.
A splurge mentality, as a response to a surge in bad news, reveals a heart that seeks to find peace through accumulation.  Get more, more, and more. 
Another response is purge.  Some would get rid of everything.  That is the stoic who seeks peace through the absence of pain and suffering.  If one reduces themselves to nothing, at least they don't lose anything. 
I think of another response to the surge of bad news.  Let's practice a surge of good news.  Jesus spoke to this.
John 10:10 finds Jesus saying, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
The Christian response to bad news - even a surge of bad news - is not grab all you can or reduce all you can.  It is not yielding to the source of the bad news but turning fully to the source of good news.
Coronavirus will steal from you.  Your money, your time, your hope.  It will kill.  It will destroy that which is precious. 
Jesus counters these effects.  Jesus gives life.  Furthermore, the life Jesus gives is identified as abundant.  Anything the bad news can take Jesus restores in abundance.
Jesus is life.  He offers his life to you.  It is a life of abundance with grace, and love.
Jesus builds up. 
I want to follow Jesus today.  I recognize the danger of the present surge.  I also recognize the reality of Jesus living in me and in you and through all his people.
The surge of bad news in the last week of Jesus' ministry on earth culminated at the cross.  It was the devils best shot!
But the cross actually became God's grandest victory!  Sin was defeated.  Death was destroyed.  The good news rose and gives life to this day.  The good news of Jesus Christ overwhelms all that stands against him.
We are good news people.  Live it.  Share it. 
Don't take more than you need.  Share.
Don't try to steel yourself against pain.  Find compassion.
Pray.  Read your Bible.  Think of others and drop them a note or give them a call.  Practice social distancing.  Stay home.  When you do this you care for the most vulnerable among us.  Our small sacrifices give life to others.
We look to Jesus who gives life, abundant life.  May this be our response to any surge of bad news. 
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve