Pastor's Ponderings, April 21, 2020

Christ Gives Us Healing From COVID-19

On Sunday, I received a message that at 9:00 pm, the recipient should pray along with other recipients that God would end the COVID-19 pandemic.  Around 9:00 pm, my wife and I prayed with what I can only imagine are thousands of others who are praying in unity to beat back this virus.  I believe that we are seeing a turning to God all over the world. 

When there is a crisis, it seems that many will turn to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to deliver them from suffering and death.  God is so gracious and chooses not to remind us that church attendance is in steep decline, living together instead of getting married is becoming more and more popular, and illicit drug use is on the rise.  We glorify violence in entertainment, laugh at anyone who claims to have a relationship with God and generally praise evil and denigrate the good. A show entitled Lucifer even got five seasons on television!

Now more than ever, we should turn back to God and see what His word tells us to do for such a time as this. The Bible tells us that for people who revere God, He will rise with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2).  God declares that He is the God that heals us (Exodus 15:26).  Jesus says that whatever we ask the Father in His Name, He will do it for them (John 16:23-24).  The Bible says further, when the enemy, and this virus truly is an enemy, comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against it (Isaiah 59:19). 

It is extremely painful seeing people of all ages, suffer and die from the virus.  My own friends and relatives have been attacked. My 93-year-old Aunt is fighting for her life against this virus, but is still declaring victory in Christ. Of course, we need to abide by what our public health and medical professionals are telling us. But we also have to say and keep saying, declare and keep declaring, speak and keep speaking that God is greater than any virus (Romans 8:31). In Christ, we have the victory over this virus!

Malachi 4:2
Amplified Bible (AMP)

2 But for you who fear My name [with awe-filled reverence] the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go forward and leap [joyfully] like calves [released] from the stall.

Exodus 15:26
New International Version (NIV)

26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

John 16:23-24 

New International Version (NIV)

23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 
24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Isaiah 59:19 

King James Version (KJV)

19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

Romans 8:31 

New International Version (NIV)

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?