The Heidelberg Catechism begins with a simple and foundational question: “What is your only comfort in life and death?” This is the heart of human pursuit. Yet, so often we settle for comforts that fall through and don’t satisfy, finding security in our finances, relationships, families, homes, and healthcare systems. In this unique time of uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, this question is front and center on the hearts of every single person on earth, whether they know it or not. We’re watching the world change in front of our eyes, health care systems struggling to stay ahead of the curve, families buckling down for massive social, financial, and medical turmoil, and communities trying to make sense of it all. Where is one to find hope?
Amidst what is, no doubt, and global crisis, there is but only one truth unshaken: the Lord reigns! And from this very fact, so many wonderful promises flow: He upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3), nothing ever happens outside of God’s sovereign decree (Isaiah 46:8-11), He has numbered everyone of our days (Psalm 139:16), and no power, ruler, illness, or virus can ever snatch God’s people from His hand (John 10:28-30) or separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Because central to all of Scripture and History is the answer to Heidelberg catechism question #1:
That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.
