So many times in history people’s lives were suddenly and shockingly changed: various Communist or military take overs, wars, floods, epidemics. COVID-19 is such an event for our generation.
Interesting that this is happening during Lent in our part of the world. I’ve been thinking of the Passover, when Jewish people stayed in their homes, with lamb’s blood on their doorframes, so the angel of death would pass over them. Isaiah 26:20 also says, “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.”
If we look at the context, God’s people are to hide because His wrath is not directed at them but at His enemies. We don’t know all God’s purposes in the spiritual realm, but this does feel like waiting for the Angel of Death to pass over our homes, only more insecure because there is no lamb’s blood that will protect us physically and COVID-19 is not directed at specific people.
What were God’s people to do as they waited? They were to prepare for action, including getting rid of the yeast in their homes which would slow them down from obeying God’s command to move forward. This is likewise a time for each of us to examine ourselves and get rid of the yeast in our own homes, which keep us from God. How about busyness and distractions that cause us to lose sight of true values and priorities? What about feelings of self-sufficiency and control over our own lives which blind us to need for God? Or selfishness which blinds us to the needs of others? Invisible, powerful enemies can defeat us.
We’re aware there is no lamb’s blood that will protect us from COVID-19. There is no barrier we can put up, which is why we need to keep distance from each other. Jesus gave us a warning and a comfort, just before He took on the role of Passover Lamb: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Perhaps the big question for us is: will we participate in His victory? Will COVID-19 help us work on dumping our spiritual yeast and drawing closer to our Heavenly Father? Will we be ready to do whatever He asks of us as we connect with others virtually, and as we come out of our homes again?
– Brenda Noble
