What does the Bible teach about the Coronavirus and destructive plagues?
In Psalm 91, the term “destructive plagues” (NET, great translation of the terms) and “perilous pestilence” (NKJV) appear four times in various ways in this psalm. The psalmist describes how the devoted follower of God can respond to this type of plague and why.
Regarding Plagues – God Delivers
God promises to deliver you from destructive plagues. Consider the following references:
“…he will certainly rescue you from the snare of the hunter and from the destructive plague” (Ps 91:3).
“You need not fear the terrors of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the disease that ravages at noon” (Ps 91:5-6).
“No harm will overtake you; no illness will come near your home” (Ps 91:10).
God speaks clearly. Through this psalmist, God declares that “No illness,” “the plague that stalks in the darkness,” “the disease that ravages at noon,” nor “the destructive plague” can destroy you. God delivers you from these things.
Can a Christian Get Sick from the Plague?
After reading these verses, you would assume No, a Christian can’t get sick from a plague like the Coronavirus; however, the context helps us understand God’s promise. There are two elements in the context that gives us clarity as to what this means.
First, God allows trouble. The psalmist quotes God, “When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him when he is in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him honor” (Ps 91:15). God says that He will be with the devoted follower when he is in trouble. God does not promise that His disciple does not go through trouble. In fact, no where in the Bible does God promise that. Instead, God says that He will be with His follower in the midst of trouble. The Coronavirus COVID-19 is part of the trouble that followers face.
Second, God uses plagues and various threats that may take the lives of people as part of His overall wrath on sin. The psalmist writes, “Certainly you will see it with your very own eyes—you will see the wicked paid back” (Ps 91:8). What is the thing you will see? Multitudes die. In this text, God tells His followers that they may see thousands fall; however, they are not to fear because the context is judgment.
Does this mean that a Christian can’t get sick and die from the virus? Absolutely not. What it means is that the one who is a devoted follower of God may go through trouble (including sickness and death); however, God is both with them and ultimately delivers them. Delivery does not mean life on earth without sickness or life on earth indefinitely; instead, delivery means that the one who follows God does not have to worry about God’s wrath in any way. Trouble may include on earth both getting sick and dying.
What are God’s Promises?
14 The Lord says,
“Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he is loyal to me.
15 When he calls out to me, I will answer him.
I will be with him when he is in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him honor.
16 I will satisfy him with long life,
and will let him see my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)
God promises three things: 1) to deliver you because you have believed, 2) to answer your prayer in time of need, and 3) to bless you with long life and salvation. Ultimately, these three promises are set in light of eternity, not just life on earth. God ultimately does deliver, does answer, and provides eternal life and salvation.
What Do We Learn about God and us from this Psalm?
The psalmist begins in a way that is very helpful to each one of us. It describes both our position as followers of God and tells us something about God as well. Notice how the psalmist explains it:
1 As for you, the one who lives in the shelter of the Most High,
and resides in the protective shadow of the Sovereign One—
2 I say this about the Lord, my shelter and my stronghold,
my God in whom I trust—
3 he will certainly rescue you from the snare of the hunter
and from the destructive plague.
4 He will shelter you with his wings;
you will find safety under his wings.
His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall. (Psalm 91:1-4)
How does he describe us? He describes the protected one as one who lives in the shelter of and shadow of God. Both of these infer one who resides in the presence of God or one who is walking with God. To be in a shadow implies nearness. He describes God as a shelter and stronghold. Similar to a bird whose hatchlings are under her wings, God provides protection. God’s faithfulness to the devoted follower who walks in His presence is like a shield or a storm shelter.
The psalmist identifies God as the Most High (nothing has greater power than He), the Sovereign One (literally the Mighty One), and the LORD (the covenant faithful God). God’s person and character are the reasons that we can trust Him in time of trouble. He is the Greatest, Sovereign, and Covenant Faithful One.
Plus, notice the psalmist adds, He is My God in whom I trust! We certainly can trust God’s faithfulness.
As Followers of God through Christ…
Jesus calls us to draw near unto Him because He cares and we do not have to be fearful (cf., Matt 10:26-30; Rev 1:15, 18). He wants us to come near unto him when we are overladen with burdens (Matt 11:28-30). He offers us rest and hope in Him.
We can rejoice even in the midst of the pandemic that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God (cf., Romans 8:37-39). Nothing. God loves us and we can work through this time of trouble as those who are near Him through Christ.
As this continues to roll out over the coming days, may our minds rest here – in the shadow of the Almighty, under His wings – as we go through these Coronavirus COVID-19 days! We rejoice in that we do not have to fear! We instead focus our attention on the faithfulness of God to us through Christ and enjoy His presence. My friend, we rest with confidence knowing that God may allow us to go through trouble but is our deliverer. There is no fear in death; eternity with God and all the saints of the ages is next. Friends, that is something to celebrate no dread.
If you want to hear more about Psalm 91, here is my sermon out of that passage.
I’m very grateful for Allen P. Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms (90–150): Commentary, vol. 3, Kregel Exegetical Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2016), 43-59.
Image Credit Priscilla Du Preez
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
