And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 ESV
Illustration
Above the entrance to the concentration camp in Auschwitz, Germany were the words Arbeit Macht Frei. The words mean “Work makes free.” It was a boldfaced lie suggesting that if the prisoners worked hard, they would be given liberty. The promised freedom was a horrifying death.
Many people believe that if they do their best good works they will earn Heaven. This, however, is false. They will learn too late that good works do not earn freedom. It is Christ’s blood that liberates. He died to give us freedom from the penalty of our sin.
During my prayer time this morning, the Holy Spirit whispered in my ears, “We need a Savior.” Indeed, the world is looking for a savior from Covid-19 and its related economic impact. In his press conference yesterday, Governor Cuomo implored the federal government to provide the much needed medical supply to help the State of New York combat the pandemic. The governor was seemingly frustrated and disappointed that Washington is not coming to the rescue as he expected.
The governor of New York is not alone in his frustration with the federal government’s response to the pandemic. The people of this great nation are looking for a savior. Unfortunately, many people are turning to Washington instead of turning to God. Only God has power over life and death. Every good and perfect gift comes from him. The federal government can only do but so much. The US may be the wealthiest country in the world; however, money cannot solve the Coronavirus pandemic.
The people of the world have to turn to God in a spirit of humility and repentance. We have to acknowledge the tenuousness of life and take steps to be reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. The savior we need is none other than Jesus Christ. The unsaved have to confess with their mouths and believe in their heart that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
As bad as things are on Wall Street, and as dire as the predictions about the economy may be, we do not need an economist. We certainly do not need a political leader because the governments of the world are powerless against Covid-19. They can take measures to slow down its contaminating effect, but they cannot stop it. We do not need a medical expert because the medical establishment is just as overwhelmed with the pandemic as every other sector of society.
We need Jesus because he is a healer, a provider, a life-giver, a deliverer, and a Savior. Jesus heals the sick and cleanses the leper. He delivers the captive and defends the helpless. Jesus binds-up the brokenhearted. His ears are open to the sinner's call, and his hands are quick to lift the fallen soul. He is the eternal lover of us all. Jesus supplies mercy for the struggling soul. He sustains the tempted and the tried. Jesus sympathizes with the wounded and the broken.
He strengthens the weak and the weary.
As we minister to those in need, call friends and loved ones to check on them during this challenging season, remind them to look to Jesus as their Savior. Perhaps this may be your last conversation with them. Make sure you remind them of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior. (Unfinished Business, Charles Sell, Multnomah, 1989, pp. 121ff)
Prayer- Blessed Lord, may those who have yet to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior have a change of heart and invite him into their hearts.