Rev Seksim Kasar
An unseen enemy killer, known as COVID-19, has invaded our world today. In a short span of time, it has overrun almost all the countries claiming thousands’ lives. Casualty is going to be very extensive. It is reported that more than 1.3 million people have been injured (infected) so far. Rich and poor has no distinction before this enemy. Surprisingly, animals and other creatures are left untouched.
Shockingly, this enemy doesn’t come alone. It comes along with its hosts of conglomerated forces of lockdown, economic breakdown, domestic violence, jobs losses, poverty, hunger, famine, pestilence, violence, anger, boredom, hackers, thieves, lawbreakers and a lot more. They are going to kill more people than the COVID-19.
As this enemy killer is advancing aggressively, countries are fighting back with all they can. But sadly, all the world’s sophisticated war weapons are once again proved to be useless against this enemy. This time, the Doctors and health workers are in the frontline. The Army, the police and the para military forces are rolling out from their barracks without their usual automatic assault rifles. Politicians and world leaders are in distress. The world is witnessing that security is no longer found in the war weapons which they once thought to be.
Will the world win a victory over this dreaded pandemic? Where does it come from? For how long will this enemy ravage the world? Should the world be waiting for a vaccine that can save some lives somehow? Will there be a vaccine that can destroy its’ hosts of conglomerated forces? If not, who the world does think to go to? Is there anyone who has the power to destroy all these ferocious forces? In other word, where do we find life and health in a difficult time such as this one?
A time is coming when a piece of bread can buy a bag of gold. Surely, all the accumulated wealth of the rich will be made useless again. The rich will buy a cylinder of oxygen and ventilators but certainly not breathe. Surely, they will buy medicines but not healing. At that time they will begin to look for the one who can give life and health and not wealth any more. But, will it not be too late for the world by then?
While the world is reeling under this pandemic, God is taking His time to heal the earth. The world of greed must stop its’ work for a while in order to give rest to the earth. The atmosphere must be refreshed and renewed. The activities of sexual immorality must be put on a hold that the world may witness the beauty of sanity once again. It is time for God to save the world by deterring mankind from going beyond the limit. What is it meant to us? It means: -
1. It is time for us to humble ourselves and remain quiet for a while before the Maker of heaven and earth.
2. It is time to listen to what God has to say to you and me and the world at large.
3. It is time not to engage in debauchery anymore.
4. It is time for everyone to take a concrete resolution not to abuse and misuse the earth anymore. We have indeed marred the earth because of greed.
5. We are supposed to be the stewards of God’s earth, because the earth is His and not ours (cf. Ps. 24:1-2).
6. It is time to say good bye to greed, sexual immorality, domestic violence, economic exploitation, social discrimination, political oppression and suppression, evil practices, law breaking, hatred, jealousy, deceit, so on and so forth. Let us shun them all. They are none other than rebellion against God.
7. It is time to return to God from the path of sin. Only then it will go well with us and our world.
In such trying time, nothing is more precious and desirable than life and health. It can be found only when we diligently seek for it. Surely, it is found in God’s word. For God’s word has the power to give life and health. “They (God’s Words) are not just idle words for you — they are your life. By them you will live long in the land . . .” (Deut 32:47 NIV). In another place it is also written, “for they (God’s Words) are life to those who find them and health to their whole being.” (Prov 4:22 CJB). It is true that in the God’s word alone we can find life and health.
Let us also believe in God’s promise to His children (we all are His children) in the book of Exodus 15:26. “He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, (the rebels) for I am the LORD, who heals you." (NIV).
In time like this, let us run to him “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6 NIV). He will solve the problem. Remember, it is he who gives life and takes away, who sends diseases and heals, who creates and destroys. God, who restores everything is there near you. Take a chance to receive life and health.
May God Bless You All
