INTRODUCTION
Should the current threat of a virus pandemic threaten our inner being. After all, they are closing just about every store, every sporting event and perhaps eventually the stock market. This must be serious stuff. Are we all going to perish? Is this just like the movies were millions die due to some mutant bacteria or virus, dropped onto the planet to make ready for aliens from another universe?
Seriously, maybe you’ve been watching too much TV.
Yes, this could be a pandemic! But, the world has had numerous viruses which have gone crazy. Didn’t we have a flu pandemic not too long ago? Wasn’t it the swine flu? And worse than that was the black plague a few centuries ago which killed millions. Somehow the world made it through those although many suffered for sure.
Why do these things happen? Why is it that viruses just spawn up and surprise this unprepared world with their seemingly indestructible presence? Many believe it is an attempt to take the planet from extraterrestrial beings?
Why is it that we can fend off bacteria but no viruses? The main reason is that bacteria live in the body whereas a virus embeds itself in one’s DNA and hence is part of the body. This makes them hard to destroy because they are not separate from the body…they are the body…now!
It is up to the human body to treat itself when it comes to viruses unless an anti-viral drug is created to pinpoint the virus and destroy it. This takes time and so many of its hosts can get really sick and perhaps die. It is all up to the immune system.
However, the best defense is to kill it before it enters the human body. We can do this by over-cleaning—over-disinfecting and by isolation,
What does this have to do with Christianity, God’s Word and we as Christians? Great question. Let us first turn to Matthew Chapter 24.
Matthew 24:7-8
SERMON
Of these three things mentioned by Jesus, how many have occurred? Have you noticed earthquakes in unusual places? I remember being taught that you don’t have earthquakes in sedimentary rock, yet recently we have had earthquakes in Texas and in other places which are comprised of sedimentary rock ( sand ).
In the 50’s through the 90’s, we didn’t experience Tsunamis as we do now. We had other things to be afraid of—nuclear war was one. I remember hiding under my school’s desk while drilling for an eminent attack by our foe Russia. Of course, it never happened. Earlier in that passage, Jesus talked about rumors of wars, but that is a different sermon.
The store counters have been depleted. People are staying home. Businesses are closing. Soon, we could have a serious food and gasoline shortage. Could this be insight into a world-wide famine as well as a plague (pandemic)?
Why did Jesus tell us this? Was it to scare us? Hardly. It was to prepare us. But, for what…Prepare us for what?
He said that they would be “birth pains”…His words, not mine.
Why did He use “birth pains”? It is a great analogy or an even better figure of speech. Every birth is a major event and leading up to that are birth pains. They warn the woman that she needs to get to a hospital for the baby she is carrying is about to make him or herself a citizen of this world. He is telling her, “I’m about to come out Mother…so get ready!”
This is the same case with all of these signs, for that is what they are. Jesus said later that we would not know the hour or the second when He will return but that we were to be ready. He talked about some ladies who forgot to get oil for their lamps and had to go back to the store and while doing so, missed the great event.
What event was He or are we talking about? We are talking about His return. It’s been 2000 years and I personally think it is past due for Him to return and save us. That’s just how I feel. I can’t wait for Him to return.
So, I have three points to discuss with you this fine day: #1: WHAT IS FEAR, #2: WHY DO WE FEAR and #3: HOW DO WE DEFEAT FEAR.
POINT #1
#1: WHAT IS FEAR?
Noun: fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. Fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. www.Merriam Webster-webster.com
Well there is what the dictionary has to say about it. It is mostly based on the anticipation of danger. A person perceives there is danger about to befall them. The danger may or may not be real. Remember a whole generation of children who had to hide underneath their chairs once or twice per month. The trauma it caused may not have reared its ugly face until much later in our lives…but none the less, we kids were all influenced by it.
The point is that the nuclear war never happened…it was perceived…but very real to people like myself.
That is what is happening now with this CORONA virus. What will closing grocery stores help. People will starve. People will rob other people to exist. Just watch the news and what all the channels have to offer is a reason to panic. World panic may become more lethal than the virus itself.
POINT #2
#2: WHY DO WE FEAR?
That is the number one question? Often, it is because we are like sheep being blindly led by a false-shepherd—an impostor. I know of such a character and he goes by the name of Lucifer or Satan.
If only 10% of those infected die and only 1% of the population will be infected—that means only 3 million will be infected and that up to 300,000 will die. If you divide that by 50 states, it is 6,000 per state or about 100 per county and 10 per major city.
The flu kills about 10% of that or 600 per state, but you never hear about it. Why? It happens to mostly sick elderly people who have long been forgotten by the general population—and that is terrible—but true.
I think that main reason there is so much fear is because only 1% of the population of this country of ours are practicing Christians and therefore the other 99% are afraid to die. They are the ones that keep it in the news. They are the ones leading this country over a cliff due to their fear.
I know that sounds rash—even mean perhaps…but it is the truth. If you are a Christian, you know that there is quite a wonderful life after this one. In the Bible, there is a story of an elderly and sick man who suffered for years on this earth, but when he died, he was carried by angels to heaven to be comforted by none other than Abraham the father of all nations. You can read about Abraham in Genesis ( the first book of the Bible ).
I have been telling people for years that in the New Testament, Jesus said, “Do NOT fear”, seventy-five times. Yet what do we as a people and as a nation do?
Panic is an expression of Fear by thousands or millions. It needs to stop with us.
POINT #3
#3: HOW DO WE DEFEAT FEAR?
Another great question. Stop fearing—is the simple answer. But pastor, that is easy for you to say but really how do we do it?
To stop fearing, we must identify what it is that we fear and take the steps necessary to abate that which is causing the fear.
As an example, if one fears heights, he or she, must face that fear by climbing to high places—not just once but multiple times; maybe going a little higher each time—baby steps.
If it is this virus—find out what you must do to avoid getting it. I am told that if you wash your hands, wash your clothing and your body routinely, you can reduce the virus’s opportunity to gain access to the inner workings of your body. Don’t rub your eyes. Keep your fingers out of your nose. Eat only hot foods. Drink hot fluids like tea and coffee if you are able.
Use virus-killing cleaning fluids like Clorox on all of the surfaces in your house and car. Stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Stay in the house or yard more than normal.
If we all did this routinely, the scare would be gone—the virus would take its own course which is death, for it too is a living body and without a human host to feed off of, it will die.
As a Christian, have faith in your Lord Jesus Christ and FEAR NOT! Even if you should get sick and die, the place you are going is a better place and you will be with Him for eternity.
So, FEAR NOT and remember: God loves you and so do I.
BENEDICTION
Lord, go with us and be in our hearts and minds as we go through these times. Help us not to forget Your Promise—that you would never leave us or forsake us. Give us Your Awesome strength O Lord. Amen.
