He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…He shall deliver you…from the perilous pestilence. Psalm 91:1-3
The coronavirus pandemic of the past several weeks has the world on edge! Virtual shutdowns of schools, restaurants and even some airlines have shocked the world into facing the seriousness of a global disaster. As a result, government authorities stepped up to mandate restrictions in an attempt to control the spread of the virus and mitigate its potential deadly consequences.
Thousands of people around the world are dealing with everything from serious health issues to global financial markets, business, industry and even sports and entertainment challenges. Gary Hamrick, pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA said: “It feels apocalyptic!” He points out that pestilence (wide-spread disease) is a harbinger or precursor to the End Times. Luke 21:11 (KJV) states: “And there will be earthquakes in various places and famines and pestilence.
I believe God is using this natural catastrophe to warn us of worse things to come in the future. In fact, a whole series of natural disasters have occurred in recent years to get our attention- hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes have shaken our planet time and again. Imagine what our world will be like when the Rapture occurs and the Tribulation begins! Global panic will be out of control, resulting in the rise of a global leader who will immediately impose government sanctions on the global economy so that no one can buy or sell without the approval of his mark (Revelation 13:16).
Biblical prophecies that once seemed unimaginable to the unbelieving world now appear imminent and foreboding. Jesus warned there would be “signs” in the last days that would cause men’s hearts to fail for fear (Luke 21:25). He urged, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh” (Luke 21:28).
Serious students of Bible prophecy have long understood the dual principles of Rapture (believers) and Tribulation (unbelievers). Believers understand that God is in control of the details of our lives: whether we live or die, heaven is our destiny. At the Rapture, the dead in Christ will rise and the living will be “caught up” with them to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Therefore, we live with confidence in the future because we know Who holds the future.
At the same time, our hearts go out to nonbelievers who will face being left behind in a world under the judgment of the wrath of God. The current crisis is but a glimpse of a far greater disaster that awaits the unbelieving world when multiplied millions will die (Revelation 6:8). In light of the recent events on our planet we are challenged to several biblical responses: 1. Trust the grace of God in the details of your life. 2. Pray for God to get the attention of unbelievers to draw them to Himself 3. Witness to family and friends who may be more open to the gospel than ever before.
The integrity of sincere and authentic Christianity speaks volumes to a lost world that is desperate for meaning, purpose and security. Do not underestimate the spiritual impact that your testimony has on those who have no answers to the overwhelming problems of life. When we live out our faith with authenticity and boldness, we capture the attention of the watching world. God bless you as you live for Him in the days ahead.
Ed Hindson