The Pandemic that we are now experiencing may not have caught God by surprise, but it certainly caught many of us off – guard mentally, spiritually, and economically. Some have said that the end of time has come upon us. I don’t know that to necessarily be the case, but I will admit that God knows how to get our attention. I encourage you to read Matthew 24: 3-9; Mark 11:3-13, and Luke 21: 10 – 19. These passages of scriptures talk about the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem and the end of ages. But being in a major pandemic is certainly worth being concerned. The last world –wide pandemic was over one hundred years ago. This reminds me that plagues and pestilences have occurred throughout time. God sent plagues to Egypt because of Pharaoh’s enslavement and cruel treatment of the Hebrew people. Plagues and pestilence seemed to show up whenever there was rebellion and disobedience toward God and injustice toward a group of people.
We’ve been told to stay home to stay safe. We have also been advised to wear masks, wash our hands at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, and practice social distancing. Many people have been quarantined, separated from loved ones who are sick, or who die alone without the comfort of family. Those who are grieving cannot grieve traditionally because even morticians and cemetery workers are cautioned to stay safe. People have lost employment because the pandemic has ruined the economy. Churches have converted to social media platforms to worship because they cannot assemble together. So what should the Christian’s response be in the midst of the pandemic? First of all, we should not fear. The Bible tells us all through scripture not to fear. 2nd Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” Fear paralyzes but faith empowers. Secondly, we have to trust God that God knows what God is doing. Proverbs 3:5 – 6 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” We must believe that God is still in control, and that God is able to keep us in the pandemic. God will not allow us to suffer more than what we are able!!!!!! He has not abandoned us. The Psalmist declared, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for THOU ARE WITH ME!!!!!!!!” Thirdly, we must repent and turn back to God both individually and collectively. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 declares, “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal the land.” We must lose our pride, humble ourselves, pray to God to forgive the injustices that have been inflicted upon us and not standing up for justice when we should and could have. We must stop being so divided and be united in caring for the oppressed, marginalized, and least of all. Most of all, we must seek God’s face in our homes, in government, in education systems, in the economy, and in our lives personally. Finally, we must be kind to one another, love one another, and bear one another’s burdens so that we will fulfill the law of “Christ is love. I pray that each of you remain safe and well. I trust that you will practice wisdom as the government seeks to reopen the society. I pray that there are pastors and other leaders who will be more concerned about people than they are about themselves. But most of all, I pray that you will come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a personal way so not matter what happens, you will be okay! |
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