All living things have been entrusted to mankind for safe-keeping. (Genesis 2:15). Myself included. That’s quite a thought, isn’t it? I guess I’m really rather fortunate, because I’m regularly fed and exercised, and treated like one of the family. Above all, I know I’m very loved. And that’s more important than nearly all of the other things put together.
Sadly, not all humans have loved creation, or one other. But maybe, just maybe, during this time of lockdown, they have started to appreciate everything that little bit more. As bird song replaces the sound of traffic, and wildlife becomes a bit more daring, venturing into gardens and places where it would previously have been unwise to. Amidst the worry, the threat, the isolation, the separation and the tragedy, does it suddenly feel to you that creation is all the more beautiful, Life is more wonderful, and people are more precious than ever before?
And on those rare occasions when you can venture out, have you started to notice a different tone? A deeper sincerity when another human asks you: “Are you ok?” or “Do you need anything?” or simply says “Take care.”
And it seems that the love, the commitment, the concern and the courage of so many human workers has reached new heights during this Coronavirus outbreak. Especially amongst nurses, doctors and other carers. Because here in the U.K., over the past six weeks, more than 100 professional carers have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving up their own lives as a result of caring for others in need. That level of “ultimate love” and commitment is hard to comprehend. Can you really imagine another human being, -perhaps a total stranger, sacrificing their own life so that you, or a relative or a friend might live? Can you really get your head around that fact?
And this brings us around to the story of Jesus. How could someone that you’ve never physically met, and maybe never known in a spiritual sense, simply sacrifice themselves on a cross so that you might live in eternity? How could anyone put themselves through all that, and do it for you, personally? It’s mind-boggling. But maybe, just maybe, -the personal sacrifice of our nurses, doctors and carers in the fight against Covid19 is helping us all to comprehend a little more what Jesus Christ actually did for us personally, -all those years ago. With the same amazing love and compassion and commitment that we are now witnessing around us today. Only a hundred-fold more.
“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” (St. Augustine)
“The measure of a life…..is not its duration, but it’s donation.” (Corrie Ten Boon)
“My commandment is this: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
