In the recent months Corona Virus or Covid 19 has dominated all conversations – home, teashops, mass media and social-media. The death statistics are updated like sports statistics. It is like Ezekiel’s commentary about the Nation of Israel. “Disaster comes upon disaster; rumour follows rumour. They seek a vision from the prophet, while the law perishes from the priest and counsel from the elders. The king mourns, the prince is wrapped in despair, and the hands of the people of the land are paralyzed by terror. According to their way I will do to them, and according to their judgments I will judge them, and they shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 7:26,27)
1) Disaster comes upon disaster: There is a Tamil proverb that states all disasters come in clusters. Country after country news comes about deaths.
2) Rumour follows rumour: In the era of social media, discerning right news in the maze of fake news is a great cherished skill. Conspiracy theories abound.
3) Prophet, Priest, and Elder fail: Religious leaders and societal leaders are unable to connect norms, rules and regulations to fast changing contexts.
4) King mourns: Political leaders are confused and do not know to lead in unchartered new territories.
5) Prince wrapped in despair: The associates of political leaders, emerging leaders and potential successors are also in despair. This could also indicate the bureaucracy that is unable to manage the situation.
6) People paralyzed by terror: Common people are indeed paralyzed by terror and fear. Their livelihood is diminishing, inflation rising rapidly, stable life is in jeopardy. Parents are terrified about unknown future regarding themselves and their children.
As Lord said to the wailing woman as he carried the cross, applies to us: Weep for yourselves and your children. (Luke 23:28) As Christians we have a responsibility or a sacred trust to bring healing to nation, which could be done by humble repentance and prayer. (II Chronicles 7:14) Yes, we have unshakeable confidence in the unchanging Sovereign Lord.
Am I calm like a weaned child? (Psalms 131:2)