Glory Out of the Pandemic (Psalm 41)

They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.” Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them! By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

(Psalm 41:8-12)

Meditation:

I wonder what will come out of Covid? What I mean is, I wonder what the Lord is doing with his church, and I’m wondering how he will gain glory for the name of Jesus through all of this.

It may sound a bit like a strange question, but I’m confident that it’s the right one. I’m confident because of this psalm and because of how it points forward from the life of David to the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Indeed, it was one of his own, one who shared his bread with him that betrayed him. And for just 30 pieces of silver. And then he was crucified, dead and buried. “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.” What a victory they had gained. The “so-called Son of Man” was done for. His movement finished.

But look at how Jesus gained glory through it all. What looked like a tragedy, God had turned into triumph. Because of his integrity, his faithfulness, his obedience, God raised him from the dead and seated him at the right hand of power. David’s words fulfilled in Jesus’ life and death and resurrection. God bringing glory out of a dark situation.

So it’s a good question to ponder. What will God bring of all of this? And, by the way, there’s another question to pair with it, particularly when we’re tempted to ask “Why is this happening?” We may not get an answer to that question. But we will assuredly get an answer when we ask, “How can I glorify God in the midst of this?”

Prayer:

Father, what will you bring out of this? How will your glory shine through? Teach us to look for your glory and how we might glorify you in the middle of all this uncertainty and hardship and pain. Grant us to be light in dark places.

Amen.

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