The Lord created us for community, not isolation. When the social restraints of this pandemic end, some may determine to be “never alone” again! Our hearts resound in prayer for people infected with coronavirus whose families cannot stay by their side at home or in the hospital. Our Creator stated in Genesis that it is not good for us to be alone, and many souls experience that reality keenly today. Other passages in Scripture consider feelings of abandonment and isolation, too. Remember David in the cave in Psalm 142? He mourned, “No man cared for my soul.” Centuries later, we glimpse the solitary life of the apostle Paul imprisoned in Rome and about to face his death in 2 Timothy 4:16. “At my first answer, no man stood with me, but all men forsook me…” To us, these word pictures resonate with the pathos of isolation.

Nothing that any prior hero of the faith or we endure, though, compares to Jesus’ experience on the cross. Our minds cannot conceive of His agony when the Father turned His back to His beloved Son. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46) The communal bond of the Trinity was broken for the first time, all to purchase our salvation. His temporary separation from the Father made it possible for us to be in His presence forever. How could we not sing (lyrics), “What wondrous love is this, o my soul, o my soul?” (listen)

Jesus leaving tomb (Dreamstime stock photo)

Easter means that we never have to be alone again. We may be solitary or isolated at times, even if watched by cameras, but we are never alone! As we celebrate the death, burial, trip to Sheol, and resurrection of Jesus differently this year, we rejoice in the constant treasure (poem) of our Savior’s presence (song). How fitting that Jesus reassured His disciples the night before His crucifixion: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever.” (John 14:16) He knew that his followers would feel abandoned like orphans when He left. He also knew that the permanent gift of His indwelling Spirit to believers would satisfy our human longing(s) to be in God’s presence. Hallelujah, what a Savior! He is risen indeed!