FEAR AND THE CORONA VIRUS

Corona virus and the related fear.

It is a fact, it is a reality that the Corona virus is very much dominating not only the media but everything in our planet today. The rapid spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has sparked alarm worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this rapidly spreading Corona virus outbreak a pandemic, and many countries are grappling with a rise in confirmed cases.

Beyond the immediate concerns to human life the Corona virus is just starting to have an impact on the globe’s spread of the virus across borders - and the panicky reaction to that spread - will have profound effects on the global economy, politics, security, and governance. We have seen stock markets tremble and a disruption of virtually all aspects of public life. As the spread of the virus accelerated across different countries, a number of sport leagues have altered their schedules in response to the pandemic. Major sporting events have been canceled, as a result, the sports landscape has altered significantly, from playing games behind closed doors to canceling events and putting leagues on temporary suspension. Schools are closing for weeks at a time and we are seeing empty streets and plazas all over the world. Tens of thousands of people get sick. More than 3000 have died. Fear spreads faster than the virus. Factories are closed. Roads are blocked. Villages are sealed off. Cities are locked down. It is a fact that the outbreak of the 2019 novel Corona virus (COVID-19) is the most severe socio-political crisis Chinese leaders have grappled with since the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. And the crisis is not confined to China.

It is a sobering time when one stops to consider this is a very real threat that could spiral out of control without everyone taking it seriously, doing their part and heeding the best practices advocated by governments.

From what I can gather through the media platforms, the best efforts to protect their people and stem the virus have been done by South Korea and Israel. When the virus appeared in South Korea, they immediately tested everyone for the Corona virus and quarantined any who tested positive. Israel banned flights and visitors from infected countries and, more recently, has banned all foreign visitors and instructed all arrivals by air to self-quarantine for fourteen days. These are tough measures taken by both nations—but effective ones. Other countries are now following the same patterns.

I have asked myself "is this the beginning of the biblical prophesied period of global pandemic described in Matthew 24 and Revelation?”

After many internal fights within my grey matter while the present outbreak is a very serious event, I don't think that it is of the same scale predicted as the tremendous prophecies by Jesus Christ, given on the Mount of Olives and recorded in Mathew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.There are other markers that Jesus outlined in plain language that would occur before those age-ending events take place. What we are seeing, however, with this pandemic outbreak, is the opportunity to soberly evaluate the serious days in which we live. This event can spur us to better understand what God’s Word does tell about end-time prophetic events and to seriously examine our lives and align ourselves with God’s righteous teaching. The world is having a wake-up call.

The important question is "How will you respond?"

I urge you to understand this serious times we're living in, I urge you to read your Bibles for comfort - not to fear. Fear is a normal human reaction in a time when events seem out of control. Fear can paralyze the heart and complicate our response. God does not want us to be irrationally fearful - instead, be concerned, act prudently and take precautions.

Take notice of what Jesus said about the world's reaction at the 'end-times'. “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint with terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken" (Luke 21:25-26).

Fear will come from those who are caught unprepared for the cataclysmic events around them. Fear enters when the inner life is not settled by the presence of the spirit of Christ - a spirit that brings peace during turmoil.

Jesus Christ never wants His disciples to be unduly fearful. Among His last words before His death was the exhortation to not be afraid but to be led by His peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance.

Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict.

This peace has many facets as well as tools to help you sort through the mass of news reports about this current crisis.

The biblical worldview will help you put today’s events in the context of God’s purpose for this world.

God is in control of history. Find your place in this divine plan and you can meet this crisis and those to come.