The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

Jesus went on to say that God knows us so well that He knows the number of hairs on our heads. In some of our cases, that number keeps declining! But His point was that we are more valuable to God than a small bird. When faced with trials in life, like COVID-19, we have His Word to turn to. It reminds us that God is sovereign over every part of our lives, and we need not fear because we possess the eternal words of life.

This coronavirus is not a random act of nature. It is part of God’s plan for your life and mine. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4 that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we should not be troubled like others in this world, who are tossed to and fro by trials and difficulties.

God desires that we rest in Him because He promised to be with us always. When the apostle Paul taught about the trials associated with the coming Day of the Lord, he told the Thessalonians, “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Th. 5:9–10).

To the world, COVID-19 is a wake-up call from God. It’s a lesson that life on Earth does not last forever. For those who die from the virus, life on Earth ends. When asked about the Galileans whom Pontius Pilate murdered, Jesus replied that they didn’t die because they were worse sinners than everyone else. Rather, the lesson to learn from their deaths is this: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” and die apart from God (Lk. 13:3).

Yes, it is a tragedy that many thousands have died from COVID-19 in the United States and around the world and that the number will grow. Our hearts ache for the families who have lost loved ones and friends, and we pray for them and try to help them through this terrible time. But the broader concern—the greater danger—is that people won’t see the need to repent before it’s too late. Saving lives from COVID-19 is vital and commendable, but saving lives for eternity is so much more vital!

Salvation in Jesus Christ does not provide immunity from the virus, but it does provide immunity from God’s eternal judgment. I’m praying the Lord will use you to share the Good News of our Savior, Jesus Christ the Messiah of Israel, with others during this season of trouble.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer (Rom. 12:12).

Blessings,

Dr. Jim Showers
Executive Director/President
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry