Several nations in our world have gone into an unprecedented lockdown since the Coronavirus was declared a pandemic by the WHO. This has resulted in massive unemployment, shut down of businesses, plummeting shares and a bleak future, which this generation has not witnessed before.
The death rate from this virus is spiralling all over the world and nations are racing against time to find a cure for this deadly virus.
Gloom, fear, anxiety and trepidation has filled the hearts of millions of people all over the world as we watch how this deadly virus which originated in Wuhan is now at our doorsteps, spreading uncontrollably, claiming thousands of lives and thrusting our economy possibly into a depression.
Of course, the natural tendency for human beings under such times of massive upheaval is fear and anxiety.
How should a Christian respond to this pandemic?
1. We need an Anchor
In 1943, during the second world war, at a time of fear, uncertainty, massive casualties and food shortages, Ruth Caye Jones the wife of a pastor in Pennsylvania penned the following lyrics, which became a beloved Gospel song:
In times like these we need a Savior;
In times like these we need an anchor,
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.
This Rock is Jesus, yes, He’s the One
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these we need the Bible.
In times like these O be not idle.
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.
Ruth’s song was inspired by her knowledge of the Bible and the passages in 2 Timothy 3:1 and Hebrews 6: 19.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come”
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”
During the dark and gloomy days of the second World War, Ruth discovered her Solid Rock. She experienced great peace as she held on to her anchor and gripped that Solid Rock - Jesus.
Have you found your anchor?
2. Our minds must be stayed on Jesus
In Isaiah 26: 3-4 we read, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock”
Isaiah was written during a dark and stormy period when Israel was on the decline with the Assyrian Empire on the rise. During this darkest period of Israel’s history this wonderful promise was given.
As much of the world is engulfed with gloom, doubt, worry and fear during this worldwide pandemic, Christians can experience His peace, if we stay our minds on God and place our trust on Him.
When our Lord Jesus Christ died upon the cross of Calvary, He procured peace for us and that peace comes to our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit. One aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is “peace.” Galatians. 5:22.
In Leviticus 26: 3-6, God says, “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands…I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid.”
In Psalm 119:165, we read “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
God guarantees us that if obey and keep His commandments, He will give us His peace.
Are we experiencing God’s perfect peace during these troubling times?
3. We must be aware of a much greater, lethal Virus
Sadly, the coronavirus has affected close to three million people world-wide and nearly a quarter million people have already died, and the casualties keep increasing daily, with no cure in sight.
The Bible talks about another deadly virus that has affected the whole universe and continues to affect people from birth all over this world. This sin virus is described in Romans 3:23. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
The Bible further declares the penalty for this sin virus is God’s judgment and ultimate death. Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death”. The Bible also tells us God in His mercy has provided a cure for this virus when He sent His only son, Jesus Christ to die on that cruel cross so that His blood can wash away our sins and we can have eternal life. In Romans 3:23 we are told that if we accept Jesus, we have “the gift of God … eternal life.”
The Coronavirus that is sweeping the entire world is but a pale shadow of what is to come when we stand before the Judgment seat of God. Those who accept the Lord Jesus are spared eternal judgement.
Are you ready to receive God’s verdict?
Davidson James