Scripture: "...no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalms 91:10-12 NIV Application: Jesus was so unconventional while He physically lived on earth that we can't be 100% certain how He would respond to pandemics, but scripture helps guide. Psalm 91:11,12 is quoted a lot these days. It's significant that Satan alluded to that same passage in Luke 4:11, when he tempted Jesus to prove His invulnerability to physical harm. What was Jesus's response? “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Luke 4:12) Accordingly, we should not put the Lord to the test. Don't consider it an expression of "strong faith" to do things that endanger ourselves or others. Consider this WWJD: *Wear a mask. *Wash those hands. *Join together in smart, safe ways. *Distance, socially. We can worship, for this season, via God-given technology. Yes, "God given," just as in the 1440s, Johann Gutenberg began mass printing the Bible, something at the time thought to be heretical. We shouldn't allow our innocent sheep to be led astray by preachers who are misguided, under taught, and often purposefully deceitful (usually to get attention or people's money). That's happening. These modern day Pharisees imply that others who don't do likewise have "less faith." That's their pride talking, comparable to the New Testament Pharisees'. And Jesus said some of the harshest things we can imagine about these hypocrites in Matthew 23:13-36. Also, we shouldn't be obsessed trying to predict when "the end times" will come. We should watch, though, but this is so that we'll not be deceived. Again, Jesus instructed us on this. "[Jesus] replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” (Luke 21: 8,9) At this time, we Christians should be unified with the right spirit and reading the Word of God intelligently. Jesus prayed for this unity among His people (that's us) "...Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." (John 17:11.) In all situations, pandemics included, let our default be to the Word of God, love, and unity whenever possible. ( Romans 12:18) Prayer: Jesus, protect us, lead us in the right Way, keep us from the hypocrites, and guide us into unity through Your love. Comments are closed.
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