Pan-demic- (greek) Pan meaning all. Demos meaning people.
They say we are in a pandemic. They say they are anticipating around 100,000 deaths in the USA alone before Corona has run its course. They say it’s still on the first few laps… we just don’t know the length and endurance of this thing, but we should all try to stay off the track.
As of today, April 1st, in the US alone there are 4,542 deaths. That’s a big difference (95,458) between what is expected and what our reality is now.
I am praying that the prediction will not be our reality.
As I was on a walk yesterday, I felt moved in my spirit that this was going to be a hard season for our nation, and our world.
According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention, “Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. There are four common coronaviruses, two of which start with alpha, two of which start with beta.”
What does alpha mean? Beginning.
What does beta mean? Second.
Can I add one more greek definition to this equation? Omega, which means the last.
This is not by chance that we are in lent. A season before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You see what the enemy means to use to mock and destroy, God will turn around and make it glorious.
“Then they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him.” Mark 15:17
The corona virus may have a thorny surface and it is being pressed hard into our world right now.
Pandemic- all people will feel the effects of this in some way.
I am one who is full of faith and have seen God do the miraculous time and time again. He could easily snuff this covid-19 out right this instance. It would be nothing for Him. And I do so desire that no one else would be impacted by this cruel thief.
Yet, in my spirit, I feel there are challenging days that lie ahead. But even in the challenge, the miraculous will be woven throughout. Watch and see, God is good.
In this season, I kneel as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane and pray, if possible, this hour may pass from us.
“Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from (us). Yet not what (we) will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36
In this season of lent...when we look upon Him on the cross and as we see that thorny crown, remember that is not the end of the story.
Omega.
He will have the last and final say. The sky grew very dark when Jesus died, but following that darkness, hell was emptied, Jesus took back the keys.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16
This corona virus was NOT sent by God. He’s not mixing up pain for us so we finally listen. But He is there with us in the pain.
Friends, so many know religion or a form of religion, but not the life-saving POWER of the risen King Jesus. He has a new crown on.
This is our time. Our time to let our voices be heard and do some spiritual life-giving introductions. His name is Jesus.
I know that many of you have had tough seasons these past few years. I know I have. Two years ago I had an identity stripping season. It was a rumbling. All I thought I was was stripped away. My occupation, my possessions, my title and my closest relationships.
But God.
He is my Omega. And that truth is so burned deep within my heart and soul I am ready to share it. That season was so hard and brought so much pain (both physical and emotional), but I would never trade it for the world. I emerged a new Tami. The fact that I am sitting here typing this is proof. I no longer need to impress. I just need to show up and then He promised me He would too.
And so Corona may think it’s winning at the moment with its flesh piercing crown of thorns, suffocating life, thinking that as it’s running it’s race it is in first place. It may think it is the alpha and beta, but this story is not over. Because just like in every good racing movie, there is One quickly gaining on it, and He will truly be both the Alpha and Omega.
So thankful this story is not over.
So thankful for those of you who know how to and are brave enough to make introductions.
So thankful for those of you who have fixed your eyes on the true Alpha and Omega.
Oh and about this year?... The one we are currently living out, the year 2020?
Let's agree with David and what he wrote in the Psalms when we consider how it will wrap up.
“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11
It’s His crown, and He gets the last say.
It’s not over friends. He is at work.
Listen, be attentive, and lean into what He is saying.