It’s Thanksgiving Season 2020 and I feel so blessed and thankful. I mean like SUPER blessed and thankful where I barely can contain myself. Every year I make a conscious effort to reflect on what I’ve been through and praise God. Taking the time to acknowledge what he has done, is doing, and will do in my life is always encouraging to my spirit. The bible instructs us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This year was no different, but my worship was from a much deeper place.
The year started off so exciting. Everyone was screaming 2020, the year of perfect vision! From a spiritual lens, this would be a time to see ourselves, the world, and the things of God clearly. All of my friends professed how they were ready to take on the world and be unstoppable. I’ll admit, I was also looking forward to checking some goals off from my to-do list. However, things quickly took a turn. In March it was announced that the United States had to quarantine due to the Coronavirus (COVID19). No one could have prepared for a situation this urgent. We were in a state of emergency. People panicked. Fear was continuously rising when it was discovered that the United States wasn’t the only place being effected. This was a GLOBAL PANDEMIC!
Season of Quarantine
To quarantine is to be in a place of isolation. There have been times in the bible when God has instructed his people to remain home. During these times, God stated for his people to hide themselves for a little while until his wrath passed (Isaiah 26). Of course, I never imagined experiencing what resembles his wrath during my life time. Shocked is an understatement.
To date, COVID19 has contributed to significant unemployment and death rates across most all states, industries, and demographics. It has been hard to imagine what each upcoming month would hold. Fortunately, all of my family and friends have been in good physical and financial condition. I rejoiced while typing these words, knowing that many others don’t have that same testimony. Thus far, God has covered us with his feathers and we have found refuge under his wings (Psalms 91:4).Truly, I have a reason to give thanks. The experience of living during this global pandemic has definitely reminded me of the Egyptians facing the ten plagues.
Season of Plagues
The Book of Exodus can be broken down into two parts. The stories of the Ten Plagues of Egypt can be found in the first part (Ch. 1-18). Exodus means to go, depart, or emigrate. The reason for the ten plagues being inflicted on Egypt by God was to force the Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to be freed from the bondage of slavery. Pharaoh was stubborn though. He was determined to keep the Israelites under his feet. So God first sent five plagues to the land to show his power. Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused each time when asked by Moses to release them. Therefore, five more plagues were sent.
The last and most intense of the plagues was the death of the firstborn son. This plague hit Pharaoh were it hurt the most. Moses warned Pharaoh in the name of God that midnight would bring death. He expressed that an angel would descend upon Egypt and wipe out all its firstborns, from the son of Pharaoh to the son of the maidservant, and even those of animals. Pharaoh still would not listen.
God had given Moses instructions to order the Israelite families to sacrifice a lamb and smear the blood on the door of their homes. This would allow the angel of death to ‘pass over’ them. When night came, God sent the angel of death to kill. Death came to Pharaoh’s door and his son died. He was enraged. He summoned for Moses and not only did he say that the Israelites could leave, but he compelled them to go.
Once freed, the second part of Exodus (Ch. 19-40) tells of the Israelites traveling to Mount Sinai. This portion of scriptures is referred to as the Passover.
Plague versus Virus
In Exodus, Pharaoh showed us what it looks like when humans participate in evil behaviors. He hardened his heart and turned from the things of God. He placed his own pride and values above all else. Egypt was being built on the backs of the enslaved. It was a prime example of the rich striving to become richer. But the bible states, “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want” (Proverbs 22:16).
So, I ask you, what is God trying to tell us about the way the world is now? COVID19 can very well be viewed as our present day plague. Are leaders again taking advantage of their power at the expense of those less privileged? Will there be a new Passover coming for the people of God? And no, these questions are not meant to alarm up or create more fear. These are thoughts that have crossed my mind throughout this season.
What About You? (Life Application)
What have you been doing during this pandemic? Have you used the time in quarantine to start a new hobby or fine tune a skill? Have you spent intimate time with the people in your household and with God? Let me encourage you, don’t get distracted during this season. Stay focused on the things of God and love on the people who matter the most. Allow your spiritual vision to be perfected. Even though things around you may seem chaotic, continuously offer to God a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). Daily I command my spirit to give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness ( Psalms 7:17a). This is still the season for you to give thanks as well!