There has always been these two different worlds, only not so clearly known.

The different worlds are not the democrats and the republicans. They are not the worlds, on the one hand, of the haves, and, on the other hand, of the have-nots. Nor are the worlds distinguished, the one by health and strength, the other by sickness and weakness.

Rather, the worlds are the kingdom of Man and the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of Man is the kingdom of Satan, is the kingdom of the Beast, the Antichrist. This kingdom’s citizens show themselves, and who rules them, in the way they deal with this threatening virus. The young people of these citizens defy the virus and anything that would interfere with their fun. Imagining themselves invincible, even immortal, they will drink their beer, shake their booties, party together, and have their spring break come hell, high water, or marshal law. The older and wiser of this kingdom would make laws and throw money around, and rush to the lab to save life, the economy, and face—its reputation for getting things done, and for staring down threats, pooling resources, powering through, and defeating every enemy known to man…

What of citizens of the kingdom of God? What is their reaction to a pandemic?

Refusing to engage in the foolish partying of the young, and before joining in the somewhat noble rush of the somewhat wiser worldlings, there is a reaction in the heart of the people of God.

It is the work, by God Himself, in our very hearts. It is the work, the virtue, of reverence.

Viri in the world. Disease at the gates. Death itself knocking at the door of the whole house and kingdom of humanity.

And reverence in the hearts of the people of God, the citizens of the great King.

This reverence? Because we know that God Himself, the God Who forms the light and creates darkness, makes peace and creates calamity (Isaiah 45:7), has sent the virus.

He would teach of sin, the deadly disease, the first and continuous pandemic, the thing for which no man has any vaccine, from which no man, nor a kingdom of men can deliver.

He would cause all men to fear…Him. And to worship.

Fear Him, and worship Him saintly citizens do.

First thing. For grace has led them there.

And to the Christ Who gave His sin-bearing life, and now lives His exalted life to deliver His own and to keep them safe in the refuge of the arms of God.

Reverence, this, and the godly fear, of the children, young and old, of the King Who is our Father.

For such a time as this.

With you in Him, confiding in the Savior and His truth and love,