Tag Archives: fear

COVID-19 thoughts

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As I was reading recently I came upon two words or concepts that I think are being overlooked today as we struggle with Covid-19. “Brothers’ keeper,” and “Russian roulette.”

Before I talk about them I need to review some very basic facts that answer the question: what is COVID-19? Remember, as you think about this matter of a pandemic that is life threatening there are too many parts to the discussion to include all of them in such a brief devotion or meditation such as this.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to spread from person to person through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It may also be spread by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes. … Some people may not have any symptoms but are still able to spread the virus. Most people with COVID-19 recover without needing special treatment. But other people are at higher risk of serious illness. Those at higher risk include older adults and people with serious medical problems, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weak immune system. Serious illness may include life-threatening pneumonia and organ failure. Research is being done to treat COVID-19 and to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2-19. As of today (9-10-2020) there is no preventative vaccine. 

(https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/covid-19)

For me my activities are mostly about “buying time.” To reduce the possibility of infection until the development of a vaccine. This  is best accomplished by following the guidelines that are designed to reduce contact and spread of the deadly disease.

It would, therefore, seem inappropriate to gather in groups and have group activities that enable an easy spread of the virus. Not only should I follow the guidelines drawn up by the medical professionals but I should try to help and encourage others to curtail such activities that would facilitate the spread of the virus. Is it my responsibility to be concerned about the well-being of my fellow citizens? “Am I my brother’s keeper.”

The answer is “yes.”  In John 4 we read; “18 The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us.20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Loneliness draws people together. So do customs, convenience, entertainment, religious activities, traditional education methods, rallies, parties, etc. Even if you become a part of social gatherings it’s like playing Russian Roulette. It will take only one incident to expose, spread, infect you and/or me with the COVID-19 disease. May we exercise wise judgement in all things, but especially in matters of faith. God bless!

The Nagging Nonsense of Satan

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The other day I was having a visit with someone I know quite well.  It was one of those conversations that had evolved from superficialities to the core questions of our daily current events. 

I would describe her as one who is struggling with the “nagging nonsense of Satan.” Both she and I had shared the details of the world, the natural calamities, the virus pandemic, the terrible and vicious activities of social unrest, and to be sure the concerns we both have over the political mess that is gripping us these days, and the uncertainty that lies ahead for our children and their children. Our list went on and on until we were mentally exhausted and our spirits were drawn down and depressed.

I call this the “nagging nonsense of Satan,” not to trivialize any of it, but to make clear that I firmly believe that that’s what all these things are. Individually or collectively they are real issues that are designed by the devil to have us lose our focus and take our eyes and lives off the absolute reality of God, His grace, His mercy, and His sure promises of peace and eternal joy through Jesus Christ.

In the middle of all this frustration and fearfulness, I am drawn by the Spirit of God to consider what He has revealed to all people in the pages of sacred scripture. May I take you to the story of Joshua in the bible. It’s the sixth book Of the Old Testament. May I encourage you to read chapter 1. PLEASE!

Joshua followed after Moses’ death as the leader of God’s people. God instructed him to rally God’s people and to prepare to begin the march across the Jordan River to occupy the land God had promised them. To allay the fears of the people, the young, the old, the mothers and children, the leaders, the soldiers and all who would make the journey God gave and repeated the advice that we have to share and which we need to take to heart. They are words of promise and encouragement: “Be strong and be courageous.” To be able to take comfort from these words we must remember that God kept all of his promises to Joshua and His people. He kept the promise to send a Savior as well! You and I can take refuge in the reality of God’s love and mercy as we look to Jesus. Now recite to yourself John 3:16. God bless!