In previous posts of “A Different Perspective” and COVID-19, I described C for Courage, O for Overcome, V for Valor, I for Invisible and D for Divine.

This week we look at the Number 19.

 Number

An ascertainable total; a unit belonging to an abstract mathematical system

and subject to specified laws of succession, addition, and multiplication

 [Merriam-Webster]

One of the first things I notice about the definition of Number is dichotomy—an ascertainable total, as well as a unit belonging to an abstract system. Isn’t it interesting how both can be present in the same description? Additionally, isn’t that the nature of COVID 19 as we know it today?—certain ascertainable characteristics yet much that is abstract and beyond current understanding.

There’s a saying that some Christians seem so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good and that others are so earthly focused they have no use for the heavenly. What if one aspect of finding our way through the challenges of COVID 19 is to open ourselves to the real possibility the earthly and the heavenly are meant to co-exist in ways that bring comfort and insight, regardless of our disposition?

For example:

  • Scientists and researchers use 19 to identify the year this particular coronavirus was discovered. Earthly.
  • Those who consider the number from a religious or prophetic point of view find themselves wondering what the Divine may be saying to us. Heavenly.

Christians will find numerous references to the Number 19 in Scripture. A few of note:

  • 19, a combination of 10 and 9, usually denotes God’s perfect order
  • 10 Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai
  • 9 represents gestation, maturity, and birth
  • 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit

While each of these points are worthy of time and study, together they seem to provide a snapshot of what it might mean to integrate the earthly and the heavenly.

When we trust God’s order is perfect; when we walk in the statutes set down by the Divine; when we allow ourselves [and others] the gift of time to gestate, grow, and mature—we become people who live out the fruits of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. And when that happens?

Take a look: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. [Galatians 5:22-23]

On any given day you and I might struggle to live these fruits in service to others. Yet when it comes to these nine attitudes, each offer multiple opportunities to think and behave in ways that will be bless those we encounter—including that first face in the morning mirror.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down with little sense it will ever be again what it was before all of this happened. Among other outcomes, maybe that will be a good thing if we find ourselves more humble, more grateful, more willing to help those we may have previously tended to take for granted.

In God’s economy, nothing goes to waste.

Let the words of my mouth be acceptable,

the thoughts of my heart before you,

Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

[Psalms 19:15]