The word Coronavirus comes from the Latin word “crown” which symbolizes authority, power and dominion. The Bible says in Matthew 28:18 KJV,
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth”.
The power of Jesus Christ transcends the impact and spread of pathogens such as the Coronavirus.
Jesus said “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, NIV).
It is observed that many exhibit greater apprehension towards coronavirus more than they do the divine presence of God.
The global community reacted with great alarm to the news of the Coronavirus, displaying more concern than when presented with the teachings of God.
The Bible says in Isaiah 66:2 NIV,
“These are the ones I look on with favor, those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word”. The book of Malachi 4:2 the Bible says “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings”.
The global community reacted with great alarm to the news of the Coronavirus, displaying more concern than when presented with the teachings of God.
In our current society, the reverence for the Word of God has diminished, often viewed as merely a common text. This societal attitude towards God reflects a preference for materialistic values over divine guidance. Furthermore, churches have evolved into commercial enterprises rather than serving as spiritual sanctuaries.
The church is not merely a physical structure, but rather a community of believers. Therefore, in light of the government’s mandate to restrict church gatherings to prevent the spread of any virus, it is imperative that the church adheres to these regulations in compliance with Romans 13:1-2.
It is vital for the church to explore alternative methods, such as utilizing social media, to maintain connection and continue ministering the Word, speaking faith into the hearts of all believers.
On the day when the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a global pandemic, the stock market experienced a significant decline. Consequently, many businesses began making arrangements to temporarily close their doors and numerous churches decided to shut their gates on the holy day of worship, prayer, and teaching.
It is evident that a sense of fear has permeated the modern-day church, prompting many to retreat and conceal themselves, reminiscent of Adam hiding in the Garden of Eden after succumbing to sin, or King Saul avoiding confrontation with the imposing figure of Goliath.
What distinguishes the church from the world? The world is characterized by darkness, governed by fear and marked by sin, whereas the church operates through faith and resides in light as outlined in Matthew 4:14-15. A faith that is truly genuine is one that has been proven through trials and tribulations.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:7 KJV,
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”
The world reacted with fear and panic when the coronavirus was officially declared a global pandemic. The Bible says: “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10: 17), The opposite of faith is fear, if faith comes by hearing then fear also comes by hearing.
There are two types of fear: reverential fear, stemming from a profound sense of respect, awe, and submission to God and a second type of fear, also defined as simple fear or being afraid. According to Genesis 3:10, the Bible says,
“And he (being Adam) said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10).
The world is characterized by fear, whereas the church operates on faith. The world is steeped in sin, while the church strives for righteousness. The world is shrouded in darkness, but the church basks in the light. In times of adversity, the world tends to flee and hide, while the church relies on wisdom, love, and faith to navigate through turmoil.
Jesus said in Luke 18:8, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a trial of faith of future events, as the state of the world is not projected to improve until the return of Jesus Christ. If the church is experiencing panic now, it raises concerns about how it will navigate the challenges presented when societal structures begin to deteriorate.
It is my hope and prayer that instead of concealing our light in times of adversity, we will shine brightly like a beacon on a hill, bringing illumination to a world shrouded in darkness.
Author: Andrew A. Osei
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