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Pastor Lee Fore Correspondent
The word curse as a noun and verb renders different Hebrew words, some of them being more or less synonymous, differing only in degree of strength.
It is often used in contrast with “bless” or “blessing”.
When a curse is pronounced against any person or a nation, we are not to understand this as a mere wish, however violent, that disaster should overtake the person or nations in question any more than we are to understand that a corresponding “blessing” conveys simply a wish that prosperity should be the lot of the person on whom the blessing is invoked.
A curse was considered to possess an inherent power of carrying itself into effect.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus a global pandemic. Since its outbreak in January in Wuhan, China, the world has increasingly been gripped by fear as the virus spreads.
Normal life and societies in many places have been disrupted. Businesses, schools, and industries have been affected. Countries are on lock down and large populations are under quarantine in an effort to contain the spread of this virus.
This is a global challenge and the current situation is quite dismal.
In the history of the church, the outbreak of diseases and sickness was regarded as a curse and being subscribed to God’s wrath.
However, sickness and disease were never part of God’s plan for mankind.
When He created the garden and placed Adam in it, life was perfect just as God planned it to be; there was no sickness or disease. But because Adam sinned and opened the door to the devil, mankind was subjugated to all that was part of the curse, until, that is, Jesus broke the power of the curse when He died on the cross and rose again, destroying all the power of the devil.
Regrettably, some people still hold on to the notion that every pandemic is associated with curse and God’s wrath as it was in the Old Testament.
The church expresses its deep concern and sympathy for all who are affected, especially to those in parts of the world where this challenge is being most acutely felt.
We express our deep regret at the fatalities that have occurred. As this novel virus spreads, we urge everyone to give attention to the health and travel advisories issued by the Government and health authorities.
We urge everyone to show care and regard for one another by looking out for each other, especially for the elderly and the most vulnerable in the community.
If ever there was a time for prayers and supplications, this is such a time. Let us join together in prayer as we pray for, Governments and local authorities who bear large responsibilities in confronting this challenge, WHO and all health professionals who are working to safeguard public health, industry leaders and workers in global workplaces that are taking precautions and making decisions to confront this challenge, pastors, church leaders, and leaders of the community who provide care and guidance for those they lead.
As a global family, this is a time to let the light of Christ shine his healing rays throughout the world. May the Lord, our chief shepherd and our refuge, grant mercy and grace upon the nations of the world in this time of trouble and distress.
Psalm 91:1-4, NLT. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection.”
We have all been praying over coronavirus which has hit the world. As many of us face many uncertainties, it is critical to remember that there is no uncertainty in God.
We are deeply thankful to the Lord for what He has allowed us to do even with recent limitations. We are driven by faith, not by fear.
The virus situation is critical. But the Lord has used this virus to unite many church leaders together to pray for the nation, also for the church in China, like never before.
Spiritual unity stands out in the midst of the virus outbreak.
Also, for a long time, we will begin to see so many church leaders spending time at home with their children and spouses, which is certainly a blessing as they have been forced to pause.
Young people need their fathers, and it will happen now. We praise God. Yes, even the darkness will not be darkness to you, Lord.
May our hearts be encouraged as we continue to put our faith in God. Perhaps this virus forces us to press the “pause” button. It is a time to pause, to reflect, but it is also a time to unite and to reach out. Let us continue to put our faith in Him.
However, most of us were thinking a polluted stream, smoggy air, landscapes ravaged by storms etc. serious but gradual crises that we would see coming.
These things are still coming. Many are here already in various forms and intensities.
All have human costs associated with them.
But up to now nothing has had the suddenness and global impact of Covid-19. None of us anticipated empty sports stadiums and a collapsing stock market in the time span of just a few weeks.
In the meantime, may I encourage you to keep on loving your community. Reach out to your neighbours. Share your hope and supplies selflessly and fearlessly, in the confidence that God is still on his throne and in control of the situation.
Work with your church and encourage your church leaders to take heed of health authorities. This is when the church should be the church.
Let us all abide by the regulations prescribed by the Government and those by the health authorities to prevent the rapid spread of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Pastor Lee Fore: Religious commentator: E-mail: [email protected] #+263 773 469 191 or +263 712 314 734
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