Leviticus has something to say about COVID 19 – who knew? Check out this Africa Study Bible touch point:
When Ebola struck in West Africa, concerned governments quarantined people and areas of infection to decrease chances of spreading the virus.
Those who survived the infection would be examined by health officers and given a certificate of fitness before being released into the community. This is normally followed by great joy and dancing. Before the person returned home, however, the home was often sanitized and any old clothing was burned. This ensured that the home was free of the virus.
Leviticus 14 describes how in cases of a contagious skin disease (traditionally translated “leprosy”), the priests in Israel performed elaborate checks and ceremonies before declaring individuals fit to go back into society. This ensured that the survivor was not discriminated against and restored to the full rights of the community.
Seeing a health practitioner and obeying their instructions is very critical to controlling infectious diseases. People recovering from such sicknesses should not see these procedures as a waste of time, a violation of their rights, or a humiliating experience. The cleanliness rules in the Bible show that God cares about his children’s physical health. Christians should willingly comply with medical recommendations during a public health crisis. – from an Africa Study Bible touch point.
We can learn from the church in Africa’s experience handling dangerous outbreaks in this Africa Study Bible application note: When the Ebola outbreak occurred in West Africa, some people refused to separate the sick even when they knew they should do so to minimize the risk of the disease spreading. Pastors prayed and touched people who were sick with the virus. In the process, such pastors helped spread Ebola. In Numbers 5:1-4, God commanded Moses to send people with certain health issues out of the camp. This was to ensure that the people in the camp would remain healthy and strong and would be protected from the risk of infectious diseases. Separating people with infectious diseases from others as God commanded is still an effective medical treatment today. We must do all we can to protect the health of our communities and nations. When we do, many lives are saved. – From an [138 words]
Did you know God wants you to wash your hands? Check out this Africa Study Bible application note: Infectious diseases and sicknesses are daily burdens for many people on our continent, and many children die before reaching five years of age. Cholera, malaria, and other diseases destroy life because hygiene is often neglected. Pure water is not always available to drink or stay clean. Among the instructions God gave to Moses were laws about hygiene, purification, cleanliness, and health such as Numbers 19:7-22. We may apply them a little differently today, but the principles for healthy living show that God is concerned about our hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, keep your clothes and body clean, and do whatever you can to provide other people with access to sanitation. [110 words]
When the Egyptians pursued the Israelites up to the Red Sea, Moses assured the people of God’s deliverance and he prayed to the Lord. But God said, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea” (Exodus 14:15-16). This was the time for Moses to act using his God-given authority (symbolized by his staff) but he delayed instead.
Prayer is good at all times, but we should pray and act—not just pray. The presidents of some of our nations have declared a day of prayer and fasting for God to intervene in their nations’ problems. It is good to acknowledge our dependence on God, recognize he is King above all rulers, and turn to him as a nation to intervene. However, if the answers to those problems are within the presidents’ authority and they are not coupling prayers with swift action, God may be telling those leaders to act without delay. As citizens, we also must be careful not to helplessly shrug our shoulders expecting God or the government to solve things while we refuse to do our part. – From an Africa Study Bible application note [174 words]
As a global community, now is a time to weep with those who weep, as this Africa Study Bible application note reminds us:
When Job suffered, a global community gathered around him: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar and Naamathite. At first, they shared in his pain by weeping, tearing their robes, and sprinkling dust on their heads (Job 2:11-13).
“The resurrection of the church begins with lament,” said Emmanuel Katongole, a Ugandan Catholic priest. To lament is to be truly human, like Jesus who lamented that God had abandoned him on the cross. When a community forgets how to mourn, it stops caring. Lament is not the only thing to do in the midst of pain and injustice. But before we address problems, we must begin by empathizing with those who suffer. [135 words]
This Africa Study Bible learn note gives us helpful perspective on healing:
God made our bodies strong, but viruses and other problems are part of this fallen world. The fact that everyone in this world eventually dies reminds us that healing does not always occur. Our bodies wear down (2 Corinthians 4:16). Not everyone in the Bible was healed right away (Philippians 2:26-27; 2 Timothy 4:20). God can use illness or afflictions for good (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75; Galatians 4:13-14).
Although we cannot demand healing from a sovereign God, we are invited to pray expectantly for healing (James 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus supernaturally healed all kinds of diseases, fevers, and demonic possession (Matthew 9; 17:14-18; Mark 1:30-31; 5:2-20). The disciples of Jesus healed the sick through God’s power, and so did Paul (Luke 9:2-6; Acts 3:1; 9:33-34; 14:8-10; 19:12; 28:8-9). Healings blessed people and were “signs” that drew the attention of unbelievers. Gradual healing and successful medical treatment are also answers to prayer.
Whenever God heals anyone, all of us should be grateful, even when it does not happen to us. Every gift God gives is a reminder of his promise of a restored world where all believers will be made completely whole, with no more suffering (Revelation 21:3-4). [200 words]
IRETI HOPE 