“There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.” – Luke 21:11
Viewing the world through the lens of Bible prophecy doesn’t make you a conspiracy theorist. It also doesn’t mean we should be chasing after exact dates, and blood moons, and every word from any self-appointed prophet. We have to hold fast to the words and warning of Scripture. Even still, not every Christian believes there is something more behind our current situation.
I would caution you: don’t be naïve.
I read an article today entitled “Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus. It’s Not Supposed To.” The title intrigued me, because at first glance I thought, if Christianity doesn’t provide an answer, what are we even doing here?
The author summed up his thoughts with this statement: “It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain—and to lament instead.”
Here is the trouble with his argument. He cited the writers of the Psalms, who often lamented God’s silence, questioned their present circumstances, and had to accept that they weren’t going to get an answer. Those writers had very little understanding of God at their disposal. They didn’t have the full scope of scripture.
They saw nothing through the light of the resurrection. The gift of the Holy Spirit wasn’t manifested as it is now. Of course they didn’t have all the answers, how could they? To suggest that we’re still in their boat, however, simply isn’t accurate.
Another quote from the article: “Some Christians like to think of God as above all that, knowing everything, in charge of everything, calm and unaffected by the troubles in his world. That’s not the picture we get in the Bible.”
Yes, God cares about His children. Which is why He always promises to rescue us, to protect us, and to restore us. He promises us good things, good gifts, and an ever-present help. Don’t mistake God’s grief with our human grief.
Jesus didn’t weep because his friend passed away. Why would he, when he knew Lazarus would live again? Jesus wept because of the unbelief he saw, that despite the miracles displayed, there was still a lack of faith. “The ever darkening shadows of unbelief that would lead them to the final rejection of him.” (Dake Annotated Reference Bible).
God grieves sin. He grieves disobedience. He grieves wickedness. He grieves when souls turn away from Him. There’s no way to explain what’s happening right now? Speak for yourself.
What evidence is there to suggest that God isn’t calm? Can we even accept all His commands about being strong and courageous, not to fear, not to worry, if God is up in heaven freaking out over Coronavirus? Is he pacing back and forth, not knowing what to do? Does He want to see anyone perish? Of course not. But He is not caught off-guard by anything.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” – 2 Peter 3:9-10
Friends, don’t be caught flat-footed. The presence of this virus, while very real and devastating in many ways, has begun to usher in the next phase of the world. The Bible talks about the rise of the anti-Christ, who will come into power and establish a one-world government system.
“It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.” – Revelation 13:16-17
What are we seeing as result of the Covid pandemic? The idea of basic global income, a cashless society, a single world power in charge of handling any future crisis, and the implantation of micro-chip technology. Conspiracies? No. The fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
How did you think it was going to happen? The anti-Christ isn’t going to roll out of bed one day and take over the world. The foundation is being laid. And sadly, it is extremely easy for folks to lay down their freedoms. People will put up with anything to get the false sense of security that their lives are being protected. Death is guaranteed. Once freedom is lost, you can’t get it back.
“and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” – Hebrews 2:15
We are in a very difficult moment of time. My heart breaks for the lives lost, for their loved ones suffering grief, not being allowed to mourn, and the precious souls that died alone. We do have to take this seriously. No one is saying that this virus isn’t real. But as much as we have to grasp that reality, we also have to grasp the reality that there is more to it.
“And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7
There’s good news. Christianity does have an answer. We, the church, are standing in the way. Until we are caught up with Jesus in the clouds, our job is not done. We can’t throw up our hands and say, oh well, we just have to let it happen. Nor can we ignore the clear signs all around us.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” – Ephesians 1:18-23
We, the body of Christ, have to take our place as the hinderer of lawlessness. We are about to be part of one of the greatest moves of the Spirit in history. Don’t miss this. We have to stand together and pray against the destruction of this virus, and the presence of this virus and get back to business.
“Moses then left Pharaoh and prayed [and appealed] to the Lord. And the Lord changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and swept them away into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt.” – Exodus 10:18-19
Every day it seems as though there’s more bad news. The restrictions are getting tighter. The horror stories are flowing. But now isn’t the time to lose heart or be afraid. We’re experiencing the birth pains that Jesus warned us about, and we’re equipped to handle it.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6:10-13
And the best news. Christianity has the answer.
“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”– Matthew 3:2
“Therefore you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Matthew 24:44
