I confess to enjoy binge watching shows on television. Some of the most popular shows involve kings and kingdoms, death and disease, deception and deceit, struggles and suffering. Think, Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, Outlander and Ozark. My latest binge watching has been the show, Covid-19. It’s great because I get it on every network. No subscription needed, it’s on 24-7 and it’s free; well, kinda.
I can’t remember which recent episode of Covid-19 included one of the characters referencing Benjamin Franklin’s infamous quote, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety”. The episode questioned whether liberty and security can exist in some kind of balance with one another. By the way personal freedoms have disappeared in the name of safety, you know it’s a popular episode to watch.
The ‘Liberty-Safety” episode reminded me of when God liberated the Israelites from Egypt…another great show to binge on in the book of Exodus. That show had plagues, pestilence, death and a crazy plot with a surprise ending (wander for years on a journey that should take weeks). The Israelites were given their liberty by God but they soon looked to another source for security.
Security and liberty are original gifts tied together with God, from God. Since He bundled the package in the Garden Of Eden, competition to provide the same has been fierce. Covid-19 is just the latest show involving an old story line.
Essential in any binge-worthy show, the earliest episodes of Covid-19 featured fear, loathing and a disparate impact on everyone. Some characters were easily panicked and fearful of the virus. Others assumed their positions and possessions would provide a buffer against the virus. But we know from history, lasting safety and security only come from One place…’But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all disasters and calamities. And you have said, “No, appoint a king over us”…’ 1 Samuel 10:19.
In Covid-19, civilization is demanding answers from the kings in government, health agencies, economics and finance. ‘Successful’ investors are weighing in (Hell Is Coming), the CDC, FEMA and ‘experts’ from all areas want to be heard. Covid-19 has leaders across the globe jockeying for position. Some are looking for credit in solving the calamity, others are looking to place blame for the disaster.
The Fed, G-7, Democrats and Republicans, the European Central Bank and you name it. The list of usual suspects are trying to balance liberty and safety in a prescription so the world can ‘move on’. Meanwhile the true King has never left His throne. ‘But God drags away the mighty by his power; though they become established, they have no assurance of life. He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but his eyes are on their ways.’ Job 24 22-23. God has been binging on our ways since He created this show.
During the current episode, churches and Christ-followers have run to one of God’s ‘go to’ promises. ‘ “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain…or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ” ‘ 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. Sounds like a vaccine isn’t needed, but stay tuned…it’s coming.
2nd Chronicles is a great promise but full of conditions… for Christians. Not everyone is a Christian and Americans live in a republic ( Republic not Democracy ) with a separation of church and state. Mankind has chosen to be represented by governments which are kings, in the old vernacular. There will be no healing by divine intervention without serious action by Christians. Those actions include real humbling, earnestly praying and desperately seeking Him. Oh, yeh…and a change of ways.
The change of ways God is talking about include more than a daily quiet time, fasting from lunch and corporately praying once a week. These changes were called for 2000 years ago when Peter reminded us, ‘For it is time for judgement to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?’ 1 Peter 4:17. I think it looks like the Covid-19 show I’ve been binging on the last month.
Even when the current season of Covid-19 ends there is still more to come for fans. So far, the show is popular around the globe. I can’t remember where I read the next season will feature a vaccine. I wonder if the vaccine will be available globally for free. Some spoiler sites believe the vaccine may even be legislated as mandatory to save the world from suffering. I’m telling you, this show has all kinds of story and character development.
A guy named Peter has a site I’ve read where he believes the small group of Christ-followers in this story will be persecuted and endure all kinds of suffering because they have the vaccine. He writes, ‘…do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice…However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.’ 1 Peter 4:12-16 ( Peter’s Site ) Suffering is a major theme in this show, so buckle up.
I don’t think the show is over after the next season, but who knows. Jesus is the main character in the show to keep an eye on. Christ is such a big star you know He will be around even when the show ends. The writer of Hebrews gives us a sneak peak on how to prepare for when the end does come. ‘Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’ Hebrews 12:3.
Covid-19 is best watched with spiritual eyes and ears. This story has been around for-ever and has it’s origins and answers in the Word of God. Don’t let the drama distract you from the plot of God in this current reproduction.
Stay tuned because this show is just getting good. But don’t just binge watch, join the cast. Speak up and voice your thoughts on the plot and the characters and the cure. Use this site to comment if you want.