Epidemics That Strike At Noon Series

Psalm 91 - Study 18 - Epidemics that Strike at Noon

We read in Psalm 91:6, “You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon.” (ERV)

In this study, we will meditate on the part of the verse that speaks about the ‘terrible sufferings that come at noon.’ During this recent pandemic we are cautioned not to venture out of our homes unless absolutely necessary. The reason for this precaution is because there are those who exhibit no symptoms of the disease but could be carriers of the virus. These individuals are referred to as being asymptomatic and when they mingle with others, there is a high probability that they could infect others who are more susceptible because of their low immunity.

We will look at some of the healthy relationships that God has established and try to understand how these could get altered when an outsider intrudes into it. These are like the asymptomatic people whose interaction will affect these hearty relationships that God has established.

The first robust relationship that God ordained was that of a husband and wife. This significant relationship we realize is under much attack these days. The next relationship is that between parents and children. The other one is among siblings. All of the above mentioned are relationships within a family. In the wider circle we have numerous relationships with those in society and in the church. All of these relationship are vulnerable, and we will study to see how we can maintain all of these relationships as God intended for us to do.

The relationship between God, Adam and Eve

We read in Genesis 3:1, Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’”(ESV)

In the Garden of Eden that God created, there was a beautifully unified relationship between, Adam, Eve and God. There was also the relationship that Adam and Eve enjoyed with each other. Both of these relationships can be compared to the church and the family. As Adam and Eve enjoyed this harmonious relationship with God and themselves, there was an intrusion. The serpent subtly came to Eve and began to sow seeds of doubt in her mind by the questions that he posed to her. The question he challenged her with was, “Did God actually say, ‘you shall not eat of any tree in the garden?’” This question which seemed so sincere to Eve, was actually one that led to the fall of all mankind.

Not only was the serpent the uninvited guest in the garden, he also asked the unnecessary question which Eve got trapped in. Eve should have in reality chased the serpent out of that garden, as she did have the authority to do so. Instead Eve gave heed to the crafty serpent and engaged in conversation with him.

Let me give you some examples from our everyday life. At our work place a colleague may inquire of us as to why our face is downcast, and then probe further to know if there were any issues at home. Sometimes, when a member of the church is confronted by the pastor, a fellow member will feign concern by asking the person concerned if the pastor was harsh in his confrontation or hurt him through a sermon that was preached. When there is an argument in the family, we might have had experience of some nosy neighbors who are curious to find out what actually happened. There are also some mothers who will constantly check with their daughters to see if their son in law is behaving himself and treating her as he should.

Oftentimes these questions or enquiries are basically conversation starters used to engage others in a gossip session. Many of us would encounter these queries in various situations. If one were to analyze these questions thoroughly, we will be bewildered to realize that behind the voice of concern is a hidden agenda that is not meant for our good. It is therefore our duty to evaluate these so called well-meaning interrogations to understand if they are genuine or a cover up to create trouble.

Our families or our churches are like a garden and if each one of us are not wary, we will be ensnared by the cunning craftiness of the enemy whose only intention is disruption of these incredible relationships.

Adam and Eve’s primary responsibility

We read in Genesis 2:15, “Then the LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it.” (GNB)

There were two fundamental responsibilities that God entrusted to man in the Garden of Eden. One was to cultivate the land and guard it. Basically to cultivate would mean to improve what was there so it would flourish and be bountiful. Secondly, man was given the duty to guard what was entrusted to him.