“There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven … When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”—Luke 21:11, 28
COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, has created national fear in a way I have not witnessed in my lifetime. As of this writing, ball games are being cancelled; theatres are shutting down; schools are closing; travel is restricted, and the stock market is on a crazy, wild roller-coaster ride. It’s almost as though our nation is being attacked by an invisible enemy seeking to destroy us.
While my age and recent chemotherapy put me at risk, I am more concerned about the fear the coronavirus has provoked than I am of the virus itself. We seem to be caught up in a national panic.
As I reflect on all the above, I remember the words of Jesus. He warned us that at the end of time there would be pestilences. In the last few years, we have endured SARS, the swine flu, ebola, avian flu, MERS, West Nile virus and now the coronavirus. Could COVID-19 be one more sign that our redemption is drawing near? Is the end in sight? Is Jesus coming … soon? If so, is fear the proper response?
When Isaiah’s life was shaken, he responded by looking up. As a result, he had a fresh vision of the Lord. [1] This is the time to look up … from our knees! Let’s ask God to give us a fresh vision of Himself. Because, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear… [2] since He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from … the deadly pestilence … You will not fear the terror of night … nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you … [3]
This is a time to pray for ourselves, our families, our nation, and all those worldwide whose lives are being devastated by the death and disruption this disease is causing. You and I need to make sure we are right with God so that we are ready to meet Him whenever the time comes. And then join me in helping someone else get right with God. Let’s pull out all the stops as we tell others that it’s possible to have peace in the midst of the storm and confident hope for tomorrow, claiming Jesus’ promise, Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. [4]
[1] Isaiah 6:1
[2] Psalm 46:1-2
[3] Psalm 91:1,2,5- 7
[4] Matthew 28:20