What we are facing globally with the coronavirus is very similar to the firstborn plague that hit Egypt and leprosy outbreaks that afflicted the Israelites.
They are similar in the way that they cause chaos and that no one can really get a full grasp of what is really happening and how to take control of he situation.
I write this to point out that there are also close similarities in terms of what the Bible details and explains as to what to do in times of “pestilence” or “plagues”.
This is also not an article to say that Christians will not be victims of outbreaks or to give you a formula to stay “unaffected”. This is just to point out that there are proactive steps we can take and do in order to live out the Word of God rightly.
1. Be distinct
“But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’” Exodus 11:7 ESV
This was what God told Moses prior to the plague that killed all of Egypt’s firstborn. He wanted to make a statement that there is a difference between His chosen people and the rest of the world.
This is an important principle in response to this and any disaster. God wants us to be holy, set apart, distinct from the world. Jesus said that we will also face trials and tribulations but we can have a peace that corresponds to a calmness of heart and mind because Jesus has overcome this world.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 ESV
After all Jesus also already foretold that we will face such calamity and has told us that we ought not to be caught by surprise.
“There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21:11 ESV
Again it is important to note that outbreaks today are not meant to distinguish between Christians and non-Christians.
2. The law of cleanliness is a Godly law
“But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days.” Leviticus 13:4 ESV
The Bible describes laws in detail regarding hygiene for the Israelites, particularly in Leviticus which describes priestly duties regarding sick people. Even quarantine was a basic concept made known then.
“He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.” Leviticus 13:46 ESV
You see, the basic, underlying rule in all these details is that, when you break God’s law of cleanliness, the result is death. This is true in the spiritual as well as in the physical realm. And this couldn’t be demonstrated better than what we’re seeing and hearing today. The basic principle of avoiding such infection is to keep your hands clean and practice prescribed hygiene. If you are sick, please quarantine yourself.
3. The power of the blood
Going back to the tenth plague of Egypt, a very sophisticated plague, that even today cannot be explained. Scholars and scientists have theorised on how the plagues may be connected to each other but are still unable to explain how a plague is possible that only affects the first born, even the first born of animals.
However what is more amazing is how the resemblance and act of applying the blood on the doorpost would keep the Israelites safe.
“The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:13 ESV
At this point it is very important not to jump into an application or general theory of how the blood works. Between then and now, Jesus has paid a final price for spiritual death such that we don’t have to sacrifice animals. Neither will pleading the blood of Jesus save or protect you from coronavirus.
What we must remember, which we often forget, is that the blood of Jesus not only cleanses us from sin, but it reconciles us with God. Jesus’ blood was the blood of a sacrifice.
“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:20 ESV
And because we are reconciled with God, firstly we have the confidence that grace, peace and comfort will follow us, no matter what happens to us. And this is important for the next point because when we understand that we are clean and worthy, we can come to God and ask for His wisdom.
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.” Psalms 24:3-4 ESV
4. Seek the one whom all wisdom flows
When an epidemic broke out thousands of years ago, imagine the chaos and uncertainty that ensued. With the lack of modern medical facilities, the misinformation and fear would be tremendous. In the midst of all that trouble and the unknown, God gave the Israelites laws and principles on how to keep clean and safe. With an impending plague, God gave Moses instructions on how to stay alive.
Likewise, today, it would be wisest action to seek the one from whom all wisdom is birthed. Whether it is to paint our doorpost, or dip 7 times in a river, or to build an ark, God gives the wisdom and details as to how to be saved. Sometimes it may be to the leaders of our lands. Sometimes it may be to one key person.
Let us remind ourselves, that there IS power in the blood, but God holds the wisdom and answers to our troubled times. How His power and protection work together to form the solutions for us to live calmly in times of calamity is a mystery to all, but He is God, and He knows. And that’s why we can confidently say “My help comes from the Lord!”
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2 ESV
UPDATE: heard this phrase the next morning at Sunday service, which sums it up pretty well: “The vaccines for yesterday (SARS) is not effective to fight the battles of today (Coronavirus). We must always turn to God (the Greatest Physician)” ~ Ps Richard Yun.
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