PANDEMIC
Norma and I have always tried to do what’s right. Yup, Norma and I are following all the safety instructions related to this recent health PANDEMIC… well, mostly. Ordering groceries online (check). Not shaking hands with others (check …. mostly). Not hugging our friends (check… well, I did try to hug Mark Yeakley the other day, but I couldn’t catch him). Sanitizing things (check). Washing hands (check… when I remember). Praying for my brothers and sisters to stay healthy (absolutely check). Avoiding travel to China (check). Stockpiling toilet paper (well, we might if we could find some, no thanks to you hoarders out there). Pantry full (check… Norma is a country gal, so we have always had a full pantry. Anybody need some bean dip?). Don’t eat at a dine-in restaurant (hmmm… we did go to Kobe’s Japanese Steak House the other day for Norma’s birthday … forgive?) Watching classes and worship via the net (check). Taking communion at home and sending in our contribution “check” (check). Running errands for some who cannot get out (check). Watching TV to keep up with the latest pandemic drama (please, let’s not go there).
I decided to look up the word PANDEMIC. It is derived from the Greek language and means “ALL” (pan) “PEOPLE” (demic). Using this “all people” meaning, it occurred to me that God has been calling for a PANDEMIC in ways we should pay attention to, much more than a health scare:
Romans 5:18 “…just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people (PANDEMIC), so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people (PANDEMIC).” Matthew 28:29 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations (PANDEMIC).” Hebrews 2:9 “… so by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone (PANDEMIC).” I John 2:2 “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (PANDEMIC).” II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone (PANDEMIC) to perish, but everyone (PANDEMIC) to come to repentance.”