COVID 19 – Its implications

The world has been intimidated by this pestilence. Although the source was from Wuhan, China, as of today about 30 countries have been affected. With the death count still rising and the number of suspected cases surpassing previous estimates, one wonders if this disease is stoppable. Scientists tell us that the earliest a vaccine can be found for this epidemic can be about 6 months’ time.

Today some churches are closing their doors for services because of this threat. One senior pastor of a local church has been confirmed case.

It is so sad to hear about the deaths and how many lives and families have been shattered by this evil aggression. My heart goes out to these families and we have been praying for them and for the disease to be stopped. But why this sudden outbreak? Why all these pain? This is my own assessment:

Biblical Prophecy

Many saints are saying that what we are witnessing is a precursor to what is to come. The Book of Revelation speaks about the 7 seals, the 7 trumpets and the 7 bowls, all signifying the massive destruction that is to take place on the face of this planet. What we are witnessing now is nothing compared to what will happen in the future.

Jesus is coming back again and His return is soon. Everything around us seem to point to this important historic prophecy. Christians need to reevaluate our purpose, our goals and values as we come out of this pandemic soon. 

It is a stark reminder that we do not have much time. Jesus speaking about the last days said in Luke 21:11 - There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Everything is pointing to the soon coming of Christ and we really have no time and still about 40% need to hear the gospel. All the more Christians should rise up and proclaim that there is a savior they need to encounter. May God help us all to take this task seriously. People need the Lord. 

A wake up call

Sometimes I wonder if God is trying to get the attention of China. Recently developments will show how arrogant and defiant China has been in the face of regional issues. China has come down very strongly on Christians and places of worship. We hear of reports of how churches have been closed and Christians arrested and thrown into prison.  Pride goes before a fall, the Bible declares. To tame Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, God had to humiliate him into an animal. Is God trying to say something to the political leaders in China? I think He is. There is still hope. 2 Chronicles 7:14 -  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Poor or bad Dietary habits?

 The Old Testament is very clear about what should be eaten and what should be avoided. The New Testament on the other hand liberates the believer from the law and imposes no such strict laws, except for some forbidden food – Acts 15:29 - You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals. Paul also advises us not to take our liberty for granted and to be mindful of weaker Christians so that our liberty does not become a stumbling block. (1 Cor 8:9 - Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.) As for me, I am a strong believer in GRACE. But I believe that there must be good reasons why the Old Testament forbids certain food. Some are explicitly stated. Isaiah 66:17 - "Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who is among those who eat the flesh of pigs, rats and other unclean things--they will meet their end together with the one they follow," declares the LORD. It will be prudent for anyone health conscience person to avoid them. But if your conscience allows you, take the risk.

Poor Hygiene

Lack of basic hygiene can cause disease to spread. This is a known fact. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of disease. Good personal hygiene habits include:

• Washing the body often. If possible, everybody should have a shower or a bath every day.
• Cleaning the teeth at least once a day. Brushing the teeth after each meal is the best way of making sure that gum disease and tooth decay are avoided
• Washing the hair with soap or shampoo at least once a week
• Washing hands with soap after going to the toilet
• Washing hands with soap before preparing and/or eating food. During normal daily activities, such as working and playing, disease causing germs may get onto the hands and under the nails. If the germs are not washed off before preparing food or eating, they may get onto the food
• Changing into clean clothes. Dirty clothes should be washed with laundry soap before wearing them again
• Hanging clothes in the sun to dry. The sun's rays will kill some disease-causing germs and parasites
• Turning away from other people and covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or the hand when coughing or sneezing. If this is not done, droplets of liquid containing germs from the nose and mouth will be spread in the air and other people can breathe them in, or the droplets can get onto food

  That’s my take.

Let us continue to pray for each other, especially for the families of those who have succumbed to this illness; and that the Lord will free us from this COVID-19 so that we can continue to worship freely and build up the community in love and service. Pray also for those in the frontlines – the doctors and the nurses – who are putting their own well-being in the service of the sick; that the Lord will protect them and their loved ones from harm.