During the past few weeks we have received daily updates from our Prime Minister, and/or various expert advisors setting out guidance and recommendations for the country as the Covid19 epidemic spreads through the UK. We are thankful for the way in which the Government has tried to support businesses and individuals with financial help, and the support given to the NHS and others in frontline services. The Lord bless the steps taken, and the Lord continue to help those in the care profession and be pleased to send us a deliverance from this virus.
It is, however, a great disappointment that neither our Queen nor our Prime Minister have mentioned ‘prayer’ or ‘God’ in any of their statements. There has been plenty of advice, statements of intent, such as ‘we will get through this’, assurances like ‘we will win’, ‘we will defeat this virus’ and ‘we will come out of this stronger’, but where is the foundation for this ‘optimism’? None of the experts knew this was coming, and none of them know how to cure it, but still they seek to assure us.
Job said ‘But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.’ Job ch28 v12&13 True wisdom and understanding is not found in man but is found with God. ‘God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.’ v23 ‘And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.’ v28 May our government, those in authority, and our nation be brought to truly ‘fear the Lord’ and ‘depart from evil’.
The wisest man that ever lived wrote ‘For the LORD giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.’ Proverbs ch2 v6 In the New Testament, James encourages us with these words ‘If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’ James ch1 v5 He then says ‘But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering…’ v6. We pray that in these difficult times many will be blessed with faith and made to pray to God. That they will see their need as sinners, and that Christ will be revealed to them as their Saviour.
There is a reason for all that is coming upon us. There is an underlying condition of each one of us – and that is sin. These things are the effects of sin. The Lord has brought judgements upon people, sometimes upon a whole nation, but this time it appears to be most of the earth. These things are warnings, these things sound an alarm, but who will hear it? Do we?
We see at present what the Lord Jesus spoke of - ‘Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.’ Luke ch21 v26 May it please God to turn the fearful people into prayerful people!
‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John ch1 v9 The Lord have mercy on us each and give us peace with God.