As I’ve been scanning news articles like this one from Time calling the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa the “Worst Ebola Outbreak in History,” I was struck with a sobering realization. It was almost like déjà vu…
“The Ebola virus causes a nasty infection that triggers an inflammatory reaction so intense, patients essentially drown in their own fluids as they bleed internally and externally — victims’ bodies are overtaken with a well-intentioned defensive system run amok.”
While graphic and troubling, is it not apparent that our spiritual state of drowning in our own sin is even more critically imperative to deal with than the physical nature of this horrific disease? (Ephesians 2:1)
“Most villagers are denying the existence of Ebola.”
Isn’t that just like each and every one of us to deny our sin? (Romans 1:18-32) As the article goes on,
“Such denial … creates the ideal situation for the virus to gain an even broader foothold.”
The longer sin is allowed to root and fester, the tighter its grip on a person’s life. (Romans 7:11) This is just one reason why we are so passionate about reaching children and youth with the truth of God’s Word as a preventative measure, among other things.
“…history’s largest-ever Ebola outbreak…the World Health Organization now calls a ‘crisis.’”
How long has Christ’s bride been acting as if the spiritual condition of the world’s inhabitants are a crisis? How many times must we be called to act with urgency to share what we know about the remedy of the situation? (Isaiah 58)
“so far, there hasn’t been much improvement in people’s education and acceptance about Ebola, despite the rising number of deaths.”
Even when faced with death, people will still deny their affliction and walk away from a cure. (James 4:17)
“As of now, there are no treatments for Ebola…”
Probably the most horrifying statement in the whole article. Thank God we have a remedy for our sin problem. That our prognosis, no matter how dire our current diagnosis, is not devastatingly hopeless…that there’s a prescription for healing available to anyone who desires to be healed. (Acts 16:31)
Since the warning signs about the Ebola virus in West Africa last month, we have been in close communication with our contacts in the field. They assure us that God has been protecting and keeping them safe, but unfortunately they have had to indefinitely shut down programs and outreaches in many of the affected and perimeter areas so as not to expose themselves or others to the deadly virus.
But we trust. We believe that God, our remedy, can turn this—or any other situation—for His glory and His good.
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