What The Bible Says About The Pandemic . . .

Many outbreaks of pandemic diseases, such as COVID-19, have caused many to ask why God allows, or even causes, pandemic diseases and whether such illnesses are a definite sign of the end times. The Bible describes numerous occasions when God brought plagues and diseases on His people and on His enemies "to make you see my power"(Exodus 9:14,16). He used plagues on Egypt to force Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage, while sparing His people from being affected by them (Exodus 12:13) thus indicating His sovereign control over diseases and other afflictions. God also warned His people of the consequences of disobedience, including plagues (Leviticus 26:21-25). On two occasions, God destroyed 14,700 people and 24,000 people for various acts of disobedience (Numbers 16:49 and 25:9).

It is many times difficult to imagine our loving and merciful God displaying such wrath and anger toward His people. But God's punishments always have the goal of repentance and restoration. In (2Chronicles 7:13-14), God said to Solomon, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Here we see God using disaster to draw His people to Himself, to bring about repentance and the desire to come to Him as children to their heavenly Father.

In the New Testament Bible, Jesus healed "every disease and every sickness," as well as plagues in the areas that He visited (Matthew 9:35); (Mark 3:10). Just as God chose to use plagues and disease to show His power to the Israelites, Jesus healed as an indication of the same power to verify that He was truly the Son of God. He gave the same healing power to the disciples to verify their ministry (Luke 9:1).

You ask, how should Christians respond to pandemic diseases? First, do not panic. God is in control. The Bible states that the equivalent of "do not fear" over 300 times. Secondly, be wise. Take reasonable steps to avoid exposure to the disease and to protect and provide for your family. Third, look for opportunities for ministry (Ephesians 4:15).

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