Beware of Idols

We had fellowship with our good neighbors Sandy and John.  They shared what John wrote regarding the current world situation from a spiritual perspective.   



The Spiritual and Unseen Truths Behind

the Physical and Observable Realities of 

COVID-19

As we experience this time of great world wide upheaval and uncertainty, it is evident that the global pandemic of Covid-19 has shown us that what societies take for granted can be upended or even destroyed in a matter of days, weeks or months. The fear of death has become a predominant factor in the absence of vaccines, antivirals and others drugs known to treat or cure the disease.  This fear factor seems to drive much of the thinking behind public policy.

As Christians and followers of Our Lord Jesus Christ, what are we to make of all of this?

We know that while God may not have directly caused this, He is sovereign over all things.  When doubt or fear strikes, we run to the Word of God.  I believe that the Bible has some clues as to how we got here, what God’s plan might be in all of this, and what we, as His disciples, must do going forward.

The world is scared, the world has shut down, and the world is a mess! The Bible tells us that this world is currently, albeit temporarily, ruled by the powers of darkness in heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12. As a result, it is not surprising that there is so much conflict and moral confusion. Political turmoil exists at all levels of government. What used to be called evil ( abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage and the like ) is now called good and vise versa. (Isaiah 5:20).  Truth is relative and is really now just a moral construct based on one’s opinion.  Basic male and female biology is up for grabs and at the sad expense of some in our younger generation who are lost in gender identity confusion.  And most unfortunately, many main line churches have allowed the culture to shape and bend Biblical doctrine to suit their comfort level with sin. The Bible, once considered the inerrant and unwavering truth of God’s Word, is now subject to intellectual assault in the name of “ higher biblical criticism “.

It is true that the world has been assaulted by a microscopic invader that is highly contagious and can cause illness, suffering, great fear, and in some cases, death. ( Covid-19 fatalities are about 5 to 7 percent, depending on the locale and country).  But we face a much greater and deadlier invisible enemy pandemic that has been around since the Garden of Eden…SIN.  This invader is guaranteed to cause death, 100 percent of the time, to the spirit and soul of mankind.

As good citizens of this world and heirs of the Eternal Kingdom, we are called to love, serve, obey, pray and to do our part to stem this medical pandemic.  The Bible reveals that the physical and observable is preceded by the spiritual and the invisible. So, what is God’s plan for His people in all of this?  What message might He be sending?  What message of hope can we provide to the rest of the unsaved world?

May I suggest we look at one example, among many others, in the Old Testament that is recorded in 2 Chronicles 7: 11-22.  There, we see the covenant God made with Solomon and the warnings He gave his chosen people.  God called them to obedience and purity in their worship and devotion to Him.  They were to have no other gods of any manner, shape, size, type, or the like.  Did they disobey?   Yes, they did.  They raised idols to false gods in high places.  As a result of such disobedience God caused all types of suffering and distress to come upon the land.  Because they sinned and became apostate, they suffered plagues and pestilence, they couldn’t travel ( sound familiar? ). They recovered only when they repented and purged the land of its detestable idols and once again worshiped  and sacrificed to the true God. 2 Chronicles 15: 1-15.

I believe that we as His people and His Church need to purge any and all idols that may have crept into our lives.  These idols are sinful and, in fact, all sin involves some form of idolatry.  This pandemic has knocked out so much of what competes for our time and attention, such as sports, travel, entertainment, parties, dining out, and even work. Idols perhaps?

We now have a great opportunity to purge any and all idols that might have crept into our lives to distract us from our first love, the love of our Lord God.  We also have a great opportunity to witness to our family, our friends, and all who God may put in our paths.  Share the good news of the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, John 3:16 is always a good place to start, but why not try the rich and comforting truths in Psalm 91.  This Psalm is better than any anti-viral, vaccine, or remedy that man can manufacture.

                “ WHOEVER DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH,

                WILL REST IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.  I WILL SAY OF THE LORD

                HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS, MY GOD, IN WHOM I TRUST.”

                Psalm 91: 1-2.

                BECAUSE HE LOVES ME, SAYS THE LORD, I WILL RESCUE HIM; I WILL 

                PROTECT HIM, FOR HE ACKNOWLEDGES MY NAME.  HE WILL CALL

                ON ME, AND I WILL ANSWER HIM; I WILL BE WITH HIM IN TROUBLE,

                I WILL DELIVER HIM AND HONOR HIM.

           WITH LONG LIFE I WILL SATISFY HIM AND SHOW HIM MY SALVATION.” 

           Psalm 91: 14-16.          

  

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