Newsletter 51
May 1, 2009
This week the headlines from newspapers, radio and TV stations, and the Internet are touting the dangers of a potential pandemic. The Telegraph.co.uk reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that “all of humanity is under threat” from a potential swine flu pandemic, and has called for “global solidarity” to combat the virus. Similar stories are cropping up from the various news agencies across the United States. The government is taking steps to prepare for this new flu pandemic. Vaccines are being tested and pharmaceutical firms are preparing for possible mass production. Surgical masks are in high demand. Worry and concern are creeping into the language of news anchors. The government is also urging that precautions be taken to avoid spreading the disease. In its April 30th edition, The Wall Street Journal reports President Obama has issued the following advice: “Keep your hands washed. Cover your mouth when you cough … Stay home from work if you are sick. Keep your children home from school if they are sick…This is obviously a serious situation, serious enough to take the utmost precautions”
The President is being consistent with his proclamation in April that we do not consider ourselves to be a Christian nation. So, it is wise to wash our hands and cover our mouths, but it would not be politically correct to ask God for protection. Amidst all the discussions, talking points, and headlines, I have yet to hear anyone mention prayer or seeking God’s care and protection.
It is possible, if this version of the swine flu does grow to pandemic proportions, that some national figures will cry out to God or a “higher power.” But for now, washing hands, using common sense, and trusting the government seem to be the way to go. We have become an advanced, enlightened society, ready to take on whatever comes. But as King Nebuchadnezzar found out, going it alone is not a good idea.
As Christians we can be thankful that God does hear us and that the progress of the swine flu is totally under his control. His word speaks powerfully to this situation. Take note of these verses in Psalm 96:7-10:
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
Our leaders may not ascribe to God the honor and recognition that is his. Our leaders may trust in their ability to control an unseen virus. But that does not mean that Christians must follow suit. Jesus Christ is our King and leader. We can pray for God’s protection for a proud country even if our leaders think that it is wrong or unnecessary to do so. And we have the confidence that God hears and answers such prayers. At this point we do not know what will come of the swine flu virus – whether hundreds or thousands or even millions will die. But we do know that the world is firmly established under the control of our God. We have a message to give: the Lord reigns!
Talk about Psalm 96 and other similar passages with your children. Pray for God’s protection from this virus. Also pray that God will cause our leaders to realize the arrogance of not turning to God immediately and humbly asking for his help and protection. Pray for repentance and humility to become the talking points of government and talk shows. But most importantly, pray with boldness and confidence that your God will bring honor to his name through all of this. Encourage your children with these truths. The swine flu is not a random occurrence. God has brought it about as yet another gracious reminder that he is Lord, and that it is foolish to go it alone.
When you pray, know that the Lord of the Universe has heard you. Don’t miss this opportunity to speak of the power of God and the message of the gospel when you see others reacting in fear and worry. May the earth tremble before our God.
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