Travel bans, closed schools, canceled flights, NHL, NBA and spring training suspended, political finger-
pointing and media fear-mongering, everyone knows what it’s all about: the coronavirus scare. Stay tuned.
First of all, lets see what God has to say to his people.
Psalm 91: 1–6,9,14,15
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy
shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
The message is clear that God will be there for His people. Now make no mistake about it, we should be
wise and prudent in dealing with matters of risk, as the book of Proverbs makes abundantly clear. Our church, as well
as most of us individually, have made modifications to our routine and may have to make more as the situation
changes. Yet, we should not join the mass hysteria gripping so many all around us.
II Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
OPPORTUNITY
I see unprecedented opportunity for those of us that are saved to tell the lost of the saving grace of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. The opportunities this worldwide crisis affords us are abundant:
BIBLE PROPHECY – Jesus spoke of “pestilences” in Matthew 24:7. Bible prophecy demonstrates the relevancy of scripture in modern times and current culture.
WITNESSING – As the lost are panicking, hoarding, or just scratching their heads wondering what’s going on, we have a great opportunity to tell them of Christ crucified. The Bible tells us that prophecy fulfilled and witnessing go hand in hand.
Revelation 19:10b
I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the
testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
THE PEACE OF GOD – Instead of going along with the herd-bound hysteria of the times, believers can demonstrate the “peace of God which passeth all understanding” Philippians 4:7.
While we navigate through all this as a church, as individuals, or as families, let’s not forget to seize the wonderful soul-winning opportunities that these trying times afford us.
Your Pastor and friend,
Rick DeMichele