The coming flood

Rain is coming and the river will rise.  So, I have come to the banks of the Susquehanna again, before the deluge, to contemplate the concept of a flood.

My reading this morning in Isaiah prompted this.  God announces, in Isaiah 8, that since his people have rejected his waters “that flow gently,” he will bring a wholly different current.

…therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River, mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” (Isaiah 8:7–8)

Those who live by rivers know how destructive they can be.  I can see on the bridge piers the water marks from previous river-risings.  And when they rise, they spread.  The oncoming flood of the Assyrian army will overflow the land of Israel, bringing ruin as it sweeps through.

I can’t help thinking that the Coronavirus, spreading around the globe is also a deluge.  It seems to be overflowing the efforts being made to contain it.  It is precisely because of this that I have a growing sense of dread about it.  It seems inevitable.  Uncontrollable.  Judging by the news, I am not alone in this.

But there are two details in this short passage that speak hope to me.

“reaching even to the neck”

There is a limit to the rising tide of invaders.  God has set a height for it to climb to.  And no further.  He is not aiming for total destruction, but renewal.  The Lord is still in control, even in the midst of disaster.

“your land, Immanuel”

What a twist ending to this announcement!  Right when we have framed up the approaching calamity as belonging wholly and deservedly to Israel, we’re reminded of the promised child, born among them, “God with us.”  This is his land.  His people.

God does not view this world, or his people, only from above.  Or from a safe distance.  That foretold child of a virgin, Jesus, is the true Immanuel.  Living among us.  Feet in the mud.  Holding up a healing hand against the tide of sickness and death.  He received the full flood of God’s wrath on the cross so that we can know with certainty that God says, even to Death, “This far and no farther.”

I don’t know what will happen with this spreading virus.  Or if I will be among the unfortunate 2%.  But I know these two truths:  God is in control and God is with us.

Father, our hope is in you.  Calm our fears.  Set us free to serve.  In the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, bring about your purposes.  Thank you for being God With Us.

Reader:  What coming flood concerns you?