By Stuart Powell
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, humanity began a quest for a one-word treasure: vaccine. The entire world sought an antidote that would trigger each human body to build a defense against the ravages of the novel coronavirus. The journey has involved dozens of pharmaceutical companies plowing through billions of dollars to fund untold hours of research by thousands of scientists.
The search for a vaccine was fueled by the desire to destroy the curse of this virus and restore life to relationships severed by the virus’s spread. We know life is not meant to be lived under these conditions. For many months we looked forward to an injection that would stop the spread of disease, fear, and death.
This plague is a snapshot of the broken condition created by mankind’s sin. A part of our fallen nature tears us away from the One who treasures us. We know life is not meant to be lived under these conditions. We’ve learned the rebellion of sin can’t be reversed with a pill. Sin introduces a death that can’t be prevented by an injection. Peter explained what God did to reverse the effect of our sinful rebellion.
“[Jesus] committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (1 Peter 2:22-25).
We eat and drink during Communion to remind us there is no medicine that can truly heal what ails us. The vaccine for our rebellion and brokenness is the crucified body of Christ. The condition of evil lurking in every person’s heart can be cured only by the blood shed on Jesus’ cross. Take this time of gathering around the table to celebrate God’s plan to bring healing to every Christ follower.
Stuart Powell lives outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he serves with the North Side Christian Church.
Author: Stuart Powell
Stuart Powell lives outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he serves with the North Side Christian Church.
