More Lessons from the Pandemic
Since the fall of our first parents, sickness and disease have been consequences of that fall. No one can escape the consequences of sin until the Second Coming of Jesus, when He will change our bodies from mortality into immortality (see 1 Cor. 15:51-53). Currently the COVID-19 pandemic is still disrupting the lives of many. The most painful condition the coronavirus can cause to the infected individuals is the inability to breathe. The experience of feeling at the edge of death still lingers in the hearts of many infected ones. Worldwide, millions of people are fighting the disease, and sometimes quarantine is a must for infected people, like it was for lepers in Bible times.¹ Some have lost their loved ones to the disease.
Organizations and institutions have had to change their ways of operating in order to continue functioning. In many places, weekly church services have gone to the internet so that believers may continue to worship without worrying about contagion. The virus has also caused economic breakdown. Businesses and factories have lost millions of dollars as a result of the pandemic. In some places, the price of gasoline has more than doubled since the pandemic began.
Will this pandemic go away soon and life return to normal again? Perhaps. No one can say for sure. However, the Bible tells us that the final events before Jesus comes will be in stressful times. In the books of Daniel and Revelation, along with chapter 24 of Matthew, we notice that this earth will not get better, but instead get worse!
"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places" (Matt. 24:7, NKJV).
So why should we put so much hope in this present world and devote our energies to material things when the book of Hebrews reminds us that we are just "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb. 11:13)?² This world is not our home. Paul said that "our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20, NIV). We are to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while we are living in this world and anticipating the new heaven and earth that are soon to come. However, what if Jesus wants us to learn some lessons while we pass through this world, yet we do not take the opportunity to learn? The bad things that we observe today may get even worse. But what may seem harmful to us, God can turn into a blessing. God can turn our scars into stars! Such a "blessing in disguise" often happens to God's beloved people. Why not now stay focused and ponder what lessons we may learn from the current pandemic?
1. Recognize that we are indeed living in the last days of earth's history.
Jesus is coming soon, and we have no time to lose. We may think we still have ample time to do the things we want to, but this might not be. The Bible tells us that Jesus will come back when people "do not expect him" (Matt. 24:44, NIV). Soon, the mark of the beast of Revelation 13 will be urged upon everyone, and we will have to choose whether to follow the beast or follow the Lord. With their utmost efforts, Satan and his evil angels will try to destroy God's loyal people who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12). Referring to the coming conflict, Ellen G. White wrote,
"The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones."³
Now as well as then, we need to pray that God will preserve us in the final crisis. Let us prepare now for Christ's Second Coming by confessing our sins and pleading for the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may have victory over sin and power for witnessing.
COVID-19 may be a wake-up call to all of us. We may need to make some changes to our plans in terms of career, the school we are now attending, some habits that we know are not according to the will of God, or perhaps a relationship that we recognize is not in God's design for us. Now is the time to get things into their rightful places.
"If we would come into possession of the heavenly inheritance, the glorious, eternal substance, we must be in covenant relation with God, and employ every faculty of our being to win souls to Christ."⁴
Let us come back to God and make a covenant with Him that by His grace we will remain faithful to Him, no matter what happens in our lives.
"The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear?"⁵
Though Ellen White wrote those words in the context of health reform, they clearly have broader application as well. Might our lack of consecration be preventing God from bringing His people who are not in this fold into the remnant church? Do we take our religious profession seriously? Do we believe that we have no time to lose?
2. Be confident that God is still in control during the pandemic.
When the epidemic first broke out, some people noticed that the "new coronavirus" was different from past viruses. It appeared to have been artificially created, and they speculated that it came out of a biological and chemical weapons laboratory. When the virus quickly spread to all parts of the world, nations also imposed various methods to try to prevent an epidemic. Measures of body temperature became mandatory and border controls strict. Some people panicked, trying to store lots of food at home and buying medical supplies.
Despite any frightening scenes, we must remember that God is still in control. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). Although we cannot confirm whether the coronavirus came out of a biological and chemical laboratory, we must realize that God is still a mighty God who is presiding on the throne.
"The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance" (Ps. 33:10-12, NKJV).
These verses can comfort our hearts and remind us powerfully that God always works in wisdom, righteousness, and goodness; even during a pandemic, He is still in power. We can have confidence in Him when troubles are around us.
"In the way that leads to the City of God there are no difficulties which those who trust in Him may not overcome. There are no dangers which they may not escape. There is not a sorrow, not a grievance, not a human weakness, for which He has not provided a remedy."⁶
3. Learn to see medical missionary work through God's eyes.
Some may not realize the importance of the medical missionary work, especially in the last days of earth's history when diseases are rampant. Seventh-day Adventists must know about this work in order to know how to reach people.
"Medical missionary work is yet in its infancy. The meaning of genuine medical missionary work is known by but few. Why?—Because the Saviour's plan of work has not been followed."⁷
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Rom. 12:10, 15).
These could be the best texts to simplify what it means to be a medical missionary. As earnest, prayerful contact would touch hearts and open avenues for spiritual ministry, too. After describing God's grace and love that we should reveal toward others, P. William Dysinger says,
"When understood in these terms, medical missionary work takes a priority position. It is more than just a public relations effort of the church or an entering wedge. It is the key to unlocking the hearts of humans. God's unselfish love is incomprehensible to the selfish heart, but this work is designed to help God's Spirit touch the tender, sinful hearts."⁸
As COVID-19 is still rampant in our world, Seventh-day Adventists should now emphasize the work of the medical missionary. Not everyone is qualified to provide actual medical care for the sick, but many church members could learn how to give simple, helpful, natural remedies and treatments in support of the sick, and the tender, sinful hearts. As we see the terrible effects of COVID-19, we should put medical missionary work in the front position.
"In many other places where medical missionary work has not yet been established, there is urgent need of small medical institutions."⁹
This will break down the wall of prejudice and present God's love and care to the world.
"In no other line of the work is the truth to shine more brightly than in the medical missionary work. Every true medical missionary has a remedy for the sin-sick soul as well as for the diseased body."¹⁰
Notice that Ellen White says that the medical missionary work is not treating the "diseased body" only. It is also providing "a remedy for the sin-sick soul."
"We should ever remember that the object of the medical missionary work is to point sin-sick men and women to the Man of Calvary, who taketh away the sin of the world. By beholding Him, they will be changed into His likeness. We are to encourage the sick and suffering to look to Jesus and live. Let the workers keep Christ, the Great Physician, constantly before those to whom disease of body and soul has brought discouragement. Point them to the One who can heal both physical and spiritual disease."¹¹
Moreover, this will bring us to the following point—that medical missionary work can be implemented.
4. Find opportunities to serve in the community.
In some countries, due to the seriousness of COVID-19 and its rapid spread, the freedom to go out anywhere we want is limited. Malaysia, the country I know best, issued MCOs (Movement Control Orders) three times between March 2020 and March 2021 to prevent people from going out and perhaps spreading the disease. Police officers set up roadblocks to control vehicle movement on the street. Many financially poor citizens had a hard time finding food to eat and complained about it. Thank God that some Adventist churches are willing to serve their communities by providing vegetarian food for the needy. Such activities bring warmth to the communities and can be a great way to reach people's hearts.
Sometimes we are too passive in our evangelistic plans. Instead of going out to find the lost, we wait for them to come to church to find the gospel. But before Jesus ascended to heaven, He did not say, "Wait ye therefore," but instead, "Go ye therefore" (Matt. 28:19). In our evangelistic work, we should always make the first move, actively searching out sin-sick souls for Christ. We must find ways and opportunities to provide food for the needy, give medical check-ups, and practice natural remedies to reach them instead of waiting for them to find us. Even though COVID-19 is causing so many problems and disruptions, we can see it as an opportunity to serve our communities so that people may know that we care for them and may recognize us as disciples of Christ.
The workers of God who give all their strength in serving people are never left without His reward. God will remember their good works and will record them in the Book of Remembrance in heaven (Mal. 3:16).
"However short our service or humble our work, if in simple faith we follow Christ, we shall not be disappointed of the reward. That which even the greatest and wisest cannot earn, the weakest and most humble may receive. Heaven's golden gate opens not to the self-exalted. It is not lifted up to the proud in spirit. But the everlasting portals will open wide to the trembling touch of a little child. Blessed will be the recompense of grace to those who have wrought for God in the simplicity of faith and love."¹²
5. Prevention is always better than cure.
When COVID-19 hit worldwide, it seemed to catch us by surprise. In 2015 Bill Gates, one of the richest men on this planet, gave a TED talk and said that in the present day, the most significant risk of global catastrophe would be a virus that we may not have seen before. In that speech, he said,
"If anything kills over ten million people in the next few decades, it's most likely to be a highly infectious virus rather than a war"
—something that we are not yet ready to cope with.¹³ Indeed, Bill Gates saw what the future might look like a few years ahead of time. But two thousand years ago, through Jesus Christ, the Bible warned the world about last-day pestilences (see Matt. 24:7; Luke 21:11). The remnant church is blessed also to have a last-day messenger, Ellen G. White, whom God called to give warnings to His people; she foresaw the importance of health work. Hence, we must pay close attention to how to protect our health before more diseases like COVID-19 arise to be a threat to us.
Most of those infected with the virus are people with a weakened immune system. The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against germs and diseases. The cells of the immune system, specifically white blood cells, are produced initially from the bone marrow and develop in the liver, spleen, and thymus. These cells serve as antibodies to devour any harmful organism in our bodies so that we may stay healthy. We can improve our immune system through daily exercise, drinking plenty of water, eating more from plant-based foods, inhaling fresh air, and getting enough rest. We should always remember that "prevention is better than cure." We do not know whether a much more powerful virus may appear in the future (though likely it will), but now we can decide to be better prepared with stronger health. We have nothing to lose by preparing early.
"The distinction between prevention and cure has not been made sufficiently important. Teach the people that it is better to know how to keep well than how to cure disease. Our physicians should be wise educators, warning all against self-indulgence, showing that abstinence from the things that God has prohibited is the only way to prevent ruin of body and mind."¹⁴
6. If under quarantine or lockdown, use the time for reflection.
We are often so busy with the responsibilities of life that we have no time for reflection. We will work hard to make money to provide a warm place and necessities for our families. As a result, our lives are busy non-stop, even sacrificing the time we should spend with our families. But Jesus asks, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36). Too often we may not find time to read the Bible or to pray, let alone to do the soul-winning work of the church. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23, 24). When our lives are filled with many things—even good things—that hinder our relationship with God, our spirituality will be seriously affected, and we will be vulnerable to Satan's temptations.
"Heaven with its attractions is before you, an eternal weight of glory, which you may lose or gain. Which shall it be? Your life and your character will testify the choice you have made. I feel the more anxious because I see so many indifferent upon the subjects of infinite importance. They are always busy here and there about matters of minor importance, and the one great subject is put out of their thoughts. They have no time to pray, no time to watch, no time to search the Scriptures. They are altogether too busy to make the necessary preparation for the future life. They cannot devote time to perfect Christian characters and in diligence to secure a title to heaven."¹⁵
If our going out is restricted because of COVID-19, why not take advantage of the enforced restriction to spend more time meditating on spiritual things, reading the Bible and Ellen White's writings to enrich our life with the Lord? It might also be a good time to learn how to cook healthful food.
"Our sisters often do not know how to cook. To such I would say, I would go to the very best cook that could be found in the country, and remain there if necessary for weeks, until I had become mistress of the art—an intelligent, skillful cook. I would pursue this course [even] if I were forty years old. It is your duty to know how to cook."¹⁶
We may have made excuses for ourselves during the pre-pandemic time, saying that we had no time for spiritual engagement and other healthful activities. Why not give Jesus a chance to talk to our hearts when we quiet ourselves before Him, at the same time learning something that we usually have no time to learn?
7. Adapt to the "new normal" life.
We tend to hate change. We love to stay in our comfort zone. The "normal" life we usually take for granted may only seem valuable when we lose it during the pandemic. But the saints of God, in any situation, can continue to praise and worship Him through prayer and have peace in the heart. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isa. 26:3). Our God is worthy of praise, no matter the circumstances.
"If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved."¹⁷
When we wake up every day, let us learn to thank God for giving us His new mercies and helping us to remember that "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). He has given us grace enough to deal with our daily burdens. In everything, let us have faith, with the attitude that says, "Dear God, thank You for providing for all our needs." No matter what we are facing, whether good or bad, we must give glory to God. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Before going to bed at night, meditate on the Scriptures and thank God for all His kindness and provision. Let us put on the armor of God and claim His promises, so that we will not only overcome the pandemic but also turn our eyes to Jesus and have faith in Him as pure gold tried in the fire ("faith that works by love"), that we may "be numbered with the family of heaven."¹⁸
Conclusion
COVID-19 seems to have come suddenly, but it did not come as a surprise to the all-knowing and almighty God. The secret to having a living hope in difficult times is to pray and intercede with God, claiming His promises, coming boldly to God's throne of grace to find mercy and strength from Him (Heb. 4:16). Let us not forget that our Lord Jesus will always be with us, He who is constantly interceding for the striving end-time faithful, so that we may know Him and rely on Him better. Learning these seven lessons from the pandemic, we can be confident that God will never give up on His people when they are facing trials and challenges. Jesus said,
"'In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world'" (John 16:33, NKJV).
Endnotes
¹ Kings 15:5; Leviticus 13:4, 46; 14:8.
² Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
³ Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 11.
⁴ Ellen G. White, The Faith I Live By, p. 304.
⁵ White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 371.
⁶ Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 249.
⁷ Ellen G. White, A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, p. 10.
⁸ P. William Dysinger, M.D., Heaven's Lifestyle Today: Health in the Context of Revelation 14, A Biblical and Modern Science Perspective (Silver Spring, MD: General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Ministerial Association, 1997), p. 103, italics original.
⁹ Ellen G. White, Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 337.
¹⁰ Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry, p. 39.
¹¹ White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 144.
¹² Ellen G. White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 404.
¹³ Bill Gates, "The Next Outbreak? We're Not Ready," TED Talk, March 2015, accessed [Insert Date of Access if known, otherwise omit for now or use a placeholder like 'Month Day, Year'], https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready?language=en.
¹⁴ White, Medical Ministry, p. 221.
¹⁵ White, Our High Calling, p. 44.
¹⁶ Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health, p. 144.
¹⁷ Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 101. ¹⁸ See White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 158.