By Buddy Venable, April 10, 2020
One Must Be Careful Not to Speak Where God Has Not Spoken
In part one of this article we saw examples of God sending plagues upon the earth but they were preceded by a warning from God calling upon people to repent of their sins and turn to Him. We also saw that there were times when evil befell man that was not sent by God but rather used by God for His own glory. Therefore, we must be careful not to speak where God has not spoken. (See part one of this article here: https://fcbcfamily.org/covid-19-sent-by-god.)
Man’s Response in the Midst of COVID-19
While the COVID-19 virus cannot be directly linked as the judgment of God it is a reminding that man needs God and man need God’s forgiveness.
So how should one respond to God in light of this virus?
Recognize the Authority of God.
God’s word is clear regarding the authority of God in our lives. Romans 14:11 tell us… As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
This is not a time to turn against God or blame Him for this virus, but this is the time to recognize that He is Lord and He desires to be the Lord of each of our lives.
Recognize the Brevity of Life
We often take tomorrow for granted; we expect it to come. However, this virus has made many aware that we have no promise of tomorrow. James 4:14 reminds us, ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.
Recognize One’s Spiritual Condition
We are all born into sin and sin brings condemnation upon each individual. We are reminded in Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. One may not want to recognize his sin, but God is clear that all have sinned.
Recognize the Consequences of Our Sin
We do not like to think about death or even what happens after death, but God is clear that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Following death man will stand before a holy God and face judgment. Hebrews 9:27 is clear it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
Recognize the Gift of God
In His grace and mercy God desires to redeem man from his sin. Romans 6:23 further tells us that sin brings death the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This is the reason God sent His Son to die upon the cross. It is through the death of Christ that we can receive the gift of eternal life. Romans 3:24 tells us that we are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Recognize the Love of God
In spite of one’s sin, God chooses to love the individual. In Romans 5:8 we read; But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
God loves you. He sent His Son to die for you. Our hope is found in Him and while COVID-19 creates a sense of hopelessness in many, hope can still be found in Christ.
Repent and Receive Him as Your Savior
God calls upon man to turn from his sin and to His Son Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9-10 gives us clear instructions in calling out to God. There we read… that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Recognize My Hope is in Christ
The psalmist declared, for thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth (Psalms 71:5). In the midst of a storm God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) This is a time for one to seek out the Savior and find rest in Him.