By: Bishop Zurishaddai (Benjamin Carlos)
The world is reeling with shock as the death toll brought by the COVID-19 pandemic shows no slowing down. As nations count their dead, it is hard not to panic. It is hard not to be affected by the global hysteria unfolding before our very eyes. When confronted with something that we see only in the movies, it feels more fictitious when it happens in real life.
The world is being plagued by a virus that is rapidly spreading not only in Asia, but in almost all the continents of the world, such as Europe, and with the current epicenter, America. To date, (COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Last updated: April 29, 2020, 10:11 GMT); https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries, the total number of infections already reached is three million (3,000,000) mark with more than two hundred thousand (200,000) deaths all over the world. It is unimaginable that one virus can bring this amount of devastation even for countries which boast of rich economies and world-class healthcare. The past months have shown a timeline of rapid worsening of the crisis, resulting to flight woes due to travel bans, infections aboard cruise ships, cancellations of major international events, suspension of religious activities, lockdowns in cities, suspension of classes, economic crash, indefinite closure of malls, restaurants, and a majority of business establishments among others.
Corona Virus disease 2019 or COVID-19, is a type of live virus said to have originated from exotic foods in Wuhan City, China. But some also theorize that it is a man-made virus used as a biological weapon intended to rule and conquer the world.
No matter where it comes from or whether it is man-made or not, it remains a form of disease that spreads rapidly and until now, no cure has been found.
As believers, with the knowledge and acceptance that all these occurrences, such as calamities, powerful storms (Jer. 25:32 ERV), volcanic eruptions (Ps. 104: 32 ERV), drought, earthquakes (Job 9: 5-6 ERV), forest fires, wars of nations (Matt. 24: 6-7 CEV), and famine, are bound to happen first as written. Science may have its explanation, stating that these are normal phenomena, so long as human life takes its course on earth.
However, with all the tragedies and calamities happening simultaneously all over the world, to Christ believers, these incidents are not strange to be surprised (1Pe 4:12 BBE). Countries which do not experience floods before, suffer unprecedented flooding, extensive cooling of the snow or snowstorms, forest fires due to overheating of the atmosphere, devastating tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis (Amos 9:6 BBE), landslides, volcanic eruptions in different places, epidemics, and great hunger (Luke 21:11 CEV). These crises happen all of a sudden, leaving many in shock because most focus on carrying on with their normal lives, everyday tasks, earning a living, and putting food on their table.
The tragedies are not limited to nature’s wraths alone; the decay of values is persistent: violence; scandals as nations and people no longer endure or tolerate the weaknesses of others (Romans 15: 1 ERV); they resist oppression, and overcome deception; show no tolerance to wrongdoing and don’t allow themselves to be defrauded (1Co.6: 7 KJV); instead, making allowance to each other’s faults. Humility and meekness are lost, and the tolerance of one another in love is gone; (Eph.4:2 ISV), now, men fight for survival and for those they hold personal value.
It is truly disturbing. The current times are dangerous with horrific events posing a threat to the life of every creature. Humans are wired to think and behave with an air of superiority, a desire to be seen so that they can achieve and enjoy great opportunities in life. Apostle Paul said, “. . . that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men to be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, contemptuous, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, ungodly, without native love, merciless, slanderous, selfless, cruel, ungrateful, treacherous, stubborn, haughty, lovers of pleasure instead of lovers of God; ” (2Ti 3:1-4 AMP). Hatred to their neighbor rather than love to others, they return it in a bad manner (Luke 6:27 CEV). And instead of doing good, they pay back with evil (Psa 38:20 ERV).
In the ancient days, it was leprosy that was called the “living death”. It is an infectious disease spread to the body where those afflicted were feared and hated. In this age, more and more dreaded diseases are emerging such as HIV, heart disease, diabetes, cancer (Pro.14:30 GW); outbreaks as Ebola, influenza, Zika virus, SARS-CoV, and the newest virus, COVID-19 spreading through 21st century, has become a full-blown pandemic.
Governments scramble to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) along with health experts are rushing to investigate, control, and find a cure. This virus has created so much devastation and collapsed to the global economy. The world is bracing for its further damage and without a vaccine, COVID-19 is feared to stay, with waves of infection and re-infection as it enters into seasonality like the common cold and flu.
COVID-19 is well-thought-out, an invisible enemy, a traitor, which can be everywhere, even in an asymptomatic individual. However, there is an unseen enemy that poses a greater threat. It is not the COVID-19 or any other feared pandemics to come. This hidden enemy is more destructive and more vicious than any other invisible virus. The real plague is the demon, the one that causes the death of the soul, and this is the most important battle we will face in this lifetime.
Among the unseen enemies is sin. The sin entered into the world through one man, and death resulted through sin. Consequently, death spread to all men because everyone had sinned (Rom 5:12 ISV). Sin lives in the flesh of man (Rom 7:20 ISV). When the flesh is weak, sin is the cause. It does what it desires and the good is what the body does not want to do. Evil and carnal (Gal. 5: 19-21 ISV), fornication or sexual immorality, uncleanness, promiscuity or lust, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, rivalry, outbursts of anger, jealousy, greed, separations, partiality, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and the like. These can be termed a virus, a mental illness and physical condition that are not found even among those infected. Truly a hidden adversary.
In these foregoing, the Apostles strongly warn believers to be vigilant and cautious, to be watchful, constantly alert (1Pe 5: 8; Mar 13:33 AMP), to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. The believers are only strangers and pilgrims of this world (1Pe 2:11 AMP), this is not our true home, as we are only visitors and travelers.
The chief enemy is the unseen, evil spirits under the influence of the Devil (1Pe 5: 8 AMP), strolling about and seeking his prey. The devil is always looking for a chance and opportunity to deceive people and believers of the almighty God, so that His people may be cheated and dishonored by the temptation or desire to sin – disobeying the commandments of God. He destroys the good image of the believers in the presence of the Lord God; cultivates strife, and provokes them to blaspheme, spreading gossip to others. The devil wants the believers to provoke and offend one another (Gal 5:15 AMP). Above all, the devil destroys the true faith in God by putting doubt and fear in the mind and heart, causing believers to err.
Satan is not a man. He is a powerful adversary who has companions: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world’s rulers, of the darkness of this age (Ephesians 6:12 MKJV), against the spirits of wickedness in high places”.
He cannot be defeated by our strength alone. However, he was already defeated when he attempted to tempt our Lord Jesus (Mat. 4: 1-11 MKJV). And the Lord has conquered the enemy and this world (Joh.16: 33 MKJV).
The Lord Jesus Christ is more powerful than the devil and all who are with him. (Eph 6: 10-11; 1 John 4: 4 MJKV). As the saying goes, the devil is like a roaring lion, but God takes hold of him. Because of this, he could do nothing without God’s permission. The devil can only make trouble as God permits. As the case with a servant of God named Job, (Job 1; 8-12 KJV).
God will not allow Satan to destroy His faithful children. From the beginning, our Lord Jesus Christ has given us hope (Col.1: 5,7 KJV) through the gospel. Despite the things the world is suffering today, believers should rejoice in hope, patient in affliction, steadfastly continuing in prayer. (Rom12: 12 MKJV)
To avoid Satan’s trap, we need self-control and preparation. We must fulfill our role as believers. Be hospitable, kind, temperate, righteous, holy, and good. Be sound in faith, love, and patience. We must always be self-restrained and ready (Tit 1:8, 2 MKJV). We must remain obedient to the will of God, continue to pray that we may not be tempted (1Sa. 12:14; Mark 14:37-38 AMP). We need to fight Satan by being steadfast in our faith, and by not allowing the devil to work (1Pe.5:9; Eph. 4:27 ISV). Obey God, submit ourselves to God. Resist, oppose the devil, and he will run away from us. (Jas. 4: 7 ISV).
By submitting ourselves to the Lord, we will overcome the hidden enemy, even iniquity. We will overcome the devil’s deceptions, and defeat the enemies of the Lord (Rom 16: 18-20 ISV). But there is one last invisible enemy to be destroyed — death.
Christ will overcome or despise death, “The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. (1Co 15:26 ASV).” This will occur through the resurrection of the mortal body. God will restore eternal life to the saints. They will never sleep or die. Death will be subdued and destroyed. So for believers, there is no longer the sting or venom of death (1Co. 15: 55-56 ASV). And then life is endless! Everlasting! – Amen! (John 11: 25-26; Romans 5:12, 1Cor 15: 45-49 AMP).
There is no need to be afraid of enemies, whether they are visible or not, (Php 1:28 AMP). From now on, we no longer need to be afraid or to be discouraged, but to rejoice in hope; endure tribulation; persevere in prayer (Rom 12:12); and, continue in union with the Lord, for we are looking forward to the future reward (Php 1:28; 2Co 4: 8-10; Heb 11:26).
As we go on our journey in this world, in the presence of enemies, seen or unseen, the Lord teaches us to avoid anxiety or turmoil. We are also taught how to overcome and attain salvation. Let us always keep our holy relationship with God. Let us always rejoice and pray. In all things, be thankful for this is the will of God in Christ for His believers. Do not let the flame of our Spirit die (1Th 5: 16-19). Submit all our ways to the Almighty God. Live in sacredness that expresses our holy fear. Do not ever think that you are wise enough. Respect the LORD and stay away from evil. This will make you healthy and feel strong (Pro.3:6-10 CEV), rejoice evermore! (1Th 5:16MKJV). AMEN!
Special Message;
A special thank to all the frontliners around the world: doctors, nurses, soldiers, policemen, their families, and all those who sacrificed to stop the further spread of this plague, COVID-19. The MHCGCJ is praying for your continued safety and good health. We will all overcome COVID-19! God Bless us all & keep us all safe!
