The numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are astounding (thankfully there’s a huge number of recovered cases as well). The global numbers are horrid. The national numbers, especially from New York City, are heartbreaking. Our state’s numbers are increasing by the hour. And as large as those numbers are getting, it is evident that, due to lack of testing and standardized reporting, they are inaccurately low.
Unfortunately, many world leaders have seemingly wanted to keep the official numbers artificially low for a variety of reasons. China’s leaders tried to suppress information about this outbreak at the very beginning. Spain’s leaders said they would only get a couple of dozen cases at most. America’s leaders didn’t want cruise ship cases added to our tally. The thing is though despite what the reports say or what speeches leaders give, the truth is going to be revealed. When hospitals around the world are overwhelmed with sickness and death, it becomes clear what is really happening.
Christ invites His followers to confront difficult circumstances with honesty and integrity. We are to value truth, even when we’d prefer not to, because it’s going to surface eventually. And there’s a tremendous blessing that comes from knowing the truth and acting accordingly. Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). May we all experience the freedom of knowing and living out the truth!