www.bible.com/1713/php.1.6.csb
God gave them over to their lusts, men for men and women after women. In this the wrath of the Lord is revealed. In this we know we are receiving judgment, and this virus is the warning from an Almighty to show us we are not nearly as powerful as we think we are. The evidence is all around us that we are ripe for judgment. We may not receive the fire and brimstone of Sodom and Gomorrah, but this one single, microscopic virus has managed to do more, both in its reality and in the perception of its danger than 9/11. Think about that. We have shut down more school, public events, conferences, and are afraid even to go outside our doors for fear of this, far more than we were of Islamic terrorism within our borders. And the death toll to this thing has only reach half of the loss of life of that day. Are we a nation under judgment?
We should be surprised if we are not. Romans 1 makes it very clear that God’s pours out His wrath on nations that exchange His truth for lies. That worship the earth instead of its Creator, and finally turn to same-sex relationships as normal and even preferred. It feels like we’ve already checked these boxes as a nation. Shouldn’t God upend our lives at this point? President has wisely called for a National Day of Prayer tomorrow. I don’t know who he is listening to, but wisdom is among them. Anyone with eyes to see knows that there is more going on here than just a virus. The whole world is under this judgment. I am not saying this is the end the world, but it is certainly a wake-up call.
What amazes me is that this came from something as innocuous as some wild animal in a jungle somewhere. Good Lord! What else has He got stashed out there? This came from nowhere, a minor town in a country on the other side of the world. And here I am huddled in my home for fear of it. If God could do this in a few short months, what else could He do?
Am I adding to the hysteria, I am self-aware enough to realize this can be interpreted as such. I am not as afraid as all that if this particular coronavirus. But I see the effect it has on my neighbors and my country. I don’t expect to be immune from this thing because of my faith. I live in this world too. My contrition and complicity with these going on around me make me just as much as subject to judgment. My silence when I should have spoken speaks volumes all by itself. I repent of that. And I pray I do better in the future.
For this verse gives me hope. I am still on this earth. I still have purpose. I am still a work that God is working on. He’s not finished with me and there is still more for me to do. How do I know this? Because I am still here. Every morning I wake up and an invitation to do the work He has called me to do, even if it’s just writing this blog. As long as He has some purpose for me, He will keep me here. Thank You Lord for giving that purpose today.
May I extend that same hope to you today? God raised you this morning for this purpose, that you may be His witness wherever you go. You have great responsibility today. Don’t waste it. We are still salt and light in this world. We still matter. We can still preserve and offer hope to this world. If the virus is a warning, let us then be warned and take that message to heart. God is still active in this world. Sometimes He has to get our attention in ways we actually pay attention. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Now go forth and let your light shine!
Meritt Musings 