Last week, I addressed why flattening the curve was a flawed construct. I questioned the assumption of the symmetrical curve that most were still showing for COVID-19. Since then, more evidence has confirmed this. It seems the decline will be far more gradual for the right side of the curve. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...redicted-smooth-curve-like-rollercoaster.html
While I am in the camp that prefers restrictions on activity, so as to reduce infections, my reasons rest primarily with the notion that it will save lives. Last week, I also mentioned Remdesivir as a candidate for COVID-19 treatment. This week, more preliminary data came from Chicago, finding it effective, with only two deaths out of 125 patients. Is remdesivir the drug that can kill the coronavirus?
Results are going to be forthcoming from this and other drugs. Having previously worked for big-pharma, I also assumed Gilead would be making Remdesivir, even before it was approved and apparently that is the case, they are running full throttle, an endeavor worthy of prayers. Gilead turbocharges production of COVID-19 hopeful remdesivir
This should confirm why patience is a key to helping beat this virus. As governments are accountable to the citizens in a democracy, it is hoped that common sense would prevail. That onerous and discriminatory practices by state governments should be removed. The Michigan Governor, for instance, will not allow lawn service companies to mow, when they are doing so with no contact. Kentucky likewise exceeded their authority when they failed to allow a drive-in church to hold services. Religious liberties can not be discriminated against. For the state to suspend any part of the constitution, it must have a compelling reason. Religious activities that may cause harm, invite state sanctions. Examples might include a court ordering treatment for a child whose parents object for religious reasons. While the court holds religious liberty dearly, they may overrule parents if the outcome is likely to be death. Limiting Parents' Rights in Medical Decision Making Courts can and most likely will rule against church services during a time of emergency if they are not discriminatory.
This brings us to this weeks question: What should be the Christian's response to remaining in near lockdown mode, versus opening up the economy? While there are other issues involved, it seems to me that society is being tested. Will it choose money or will it choose to protect the most vulnerable? Which decision would love choose?
Part of this decision is based on our understanding of wealth. What is the true source of wealth? In starting to answer these questions, we know some of the most vulnerable. Not only is it the elderly, but those particularly with pre-existing health conditions. One might assume these people could just stay home and let everyone else go about their daily lives. The problem with this is that often we do not know who these people are. Currently there are estimated to be 7.3 million people who have diabetes but have yet to be diagnosed or receive treatment. https://www.diabetesresearch.org/diabetes-statistics There are examples of younger people dying, that go unexplained. Patience will answer these types of important questions.
Secondly, as we are seeing from nursing homes, staff will bring in infections. An asymptomatic person can pass the virus on to someone unknowingly, and contact tracing, while helpful, will never be foolproof. Whether the government allows an interaction or not, we need to be very careful to not unknowingly spread the virus, that is love in action.
So what about money, how long can we go without opening up the economy? Won't we run out? In this area we need to be real careful of worldly thinking. Economics teaches us that it is a competition for limited resources and that man's wants are insatiable. Is that really the truth? NO! First, we are to be content in all circumstances, insatiable wants is worldly. Secondly, Christians should know that all resources come from God, and the supply is not entirely fixed. Malthus in 1798, theorized that the population would outrun the available food supply. Thomas Robert Malthus - Wikipedia Of course, he was wrong. Since then we, through God, have increased efficiency to the point where we could feed everyone in the world and then some. Of course, people still do starve, but it is a distribution and problem of inequality, rather than one of shortage. I only mention this to emphasize that our source should be God. He can multiply the bread through a miracle if necessary.
According to Pastor David Crank, America is being judged for two things. Sports and Money (Start about 12 minutes into the sermon). We have In God We Trust on our money, yet for some, the only time they may trust God, is when they have no money. (Sorry I could not resist). We now have a chance to slay the love of money idol. Choosing the option with less love, trying to trust in our own economy and sacrifice people for continued economic prosperity could easily MAKE MATTERS WORSE. I already predict that the 2 trillion plus cash advance from the Federal Reserve will NOT show much fruit. Yes, it will help some people and flatten the curve of bankruptcies, but it is likely to delay, not restrain, a more severe economic downturn.
How could the Israelites live in the year of the Sabbath when it included this? Leviticus 25:3-4 (KJV) 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.
Funny how we think we are modern and wealthy, when we do not even believe we can rest for a minute, yet alone a year. Is the modern church going to be outdone by Israelites, when we have a better covenant? Not too mention, that many can still go to work even under the most strictest stay at home orders. I do believe in prosperity, but it comes from God, and will remain with those he trusts. How can the devourer come for you, if you have tithed? God says He will rebuke him in Malachi 4.
God did not cause the coronavirus, but many Americans have let their hedge down. I will discuss other judgments later, but it is enough to say that we can overcome. Helpful drugs to fight COVID-19 are on the way, but to rebuild and prosper, it is repentance that is the key to every kind of success we expect in the future. The church will be stronger, and the individual of faith will be empowered when we do turn to God. As we repent, many others will be saved. We should not harden our hearts, but instead open them fully to a just and loving God.
Stay safe and God bless you personally during these perilous times.
While I am in the camp that prefers restrictions on activity, so as to reduce infections, my reasons rest primarily with the notion that it will save lives. Last week, I also mentioned Remdesivir as a candidate for COVID-19 treatment. This week, more preliminary data came from Chicago, finding it effective, with only two deaths out of 125 patients. Is remdesivir the drug that can kill the coronavirus?
Results are going to be forthcoming from this and other drugs. Having previously worked for big-pharma, I also assumed Gilead would be making Remdesivir, even before it was approved and apparently that is the case, they are running full throttle, an endeavor worthy of prayers. Gilead turbocharges production of COVID-19 hopeful remdesivir
This should confirm why patience is a key to helping beat this virus. As governments are accountable to the citizens in a democracy, it is hoped that common sense would prevail. That onerous and discriminatory practices by state governments should be removed. The Michigan Governor, for instance, will not allow lawn service companies to mow, when they are doing so with no contact. Kentucky likewise exceeded their authority when they failed to allow a drive-in church to hold services. Religious liberties can not be discriminated against. For the state to suspend any part of the constitution, it must have a compelling reason. Religious activities that may cause harm, invite state sanctions. Examples might include a court ordering treatment for a child whose parents object for religious reasons. While the court holds religious liberty dearly, they may overrule parents if the outcome is likely to be death. Limiting Parents' Rights in Medical Decision Making Courts can and most likely will rule against church services during a time of emergency if they are not discriminatory.
This brings us to this weeks question: What should be the Christian's response to remaining in near lockdown mode, versus opening up the economy? While there are other issues involved, it seems to me that society is being tested. Will it choose money or will it choose to protect the most vulnerable? Which decision would love choose?
Part of this decision is based on our understanding of wealth. What is the true source of wealth? In starting to answer these questions, we know some of the most vulnerable. Not only is it the elderly, but those particularly with pre-existing health conditions. One might assume these people could just stay home and let everyone else go about their daily lives. The problem with this is that often we do not know who these people are. Currently there are estimated to be 7.3 million people who have diabetes but have yet to be diagnosed or receive treatment. https://www.diabetesresearch.org/diabetes-statistics There are examples of younger people dying, that go unexplained. Patience will answer these types of important questions.
Secondly, as we are seeing from nursing homes, staff will bring in infections. An asymptomatic person can pass the virus on to someone unknowingly, and contact tracing, while helpful, will never be foolproof. Whether the government allows an interaction or not, we need to be very careful to not unknowingly spread the virus, that is love in action.
So what about money, how long can we go without opening up the economy? Won't we run out? In this area we need to be real careful of worldly thinking. Economics teaches us that it is a competition for limited resources and that man's wants are insatiable. Is that really the truth? NO! First, we are to be content in all circumstances, insatiable wants is worldly. Secondly, Christians should know that all resources come from God, and the supply is not entirely fixed. Malthus in 1798, theorized that the population would outrun the available food supply. Thomas Robert Malthus - Wikipedia Of course, he was wrong. Since then we, through God, have increased efficiency to the point where we could feed everyone in the world and then some. Of course, people still do starve, but it is a distribution and problem of inequality, rather than one of shortage. I only mention this to emphasize that our source should be God. He can multiply the bread through a miracle if necessary.
According to Pastor David Crank, America is being judged for two things. Sports and Money (Start about 12 minutes into the sermon). We have In God We Trust on our money, yet for some, the only time they may trust God, is when they have no money. (Sorry I could not resist). We now have a chance to slay the love of money idol. Choosing the option with less love, trying to trust in our own economy and sacrifice people for continued economic prosperity could easily MAKE MATTERS WORSE. I already predict that the 2 trillion plus cash advance from the Federal Reserve will NOT show much fruit. Yes, it will help some people and flatten the curve of bankruptcies, but it is likely to delay, not restrain, a more severe economic downturn.
How could the Israelites live in the year of the Sabbath when it included this? Leviticus 25:3-4 (KJV) 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.
Funny how we think we are modern and wealthy, when we do not even believe we can rest for a minute, yet alone a year. Is the modern church going to be outdone by Israelites, when we have a better covenant? Not too mention, that many can still go to work even under the most strictest stay at home orders. I do believe in prosperity, but it comes from God, and will remain with those he trusts. How can the devourer come for you, if you have tithed? God says He will rebuke him in Malachi 4.
God did not cause the coronavirus, but many Americans have let their hedge down. I will discuss other judgments later, but it is enough to say that we can overcome. Helpful drugs to fight COVID-19 are on the way, but to rebuild and prosper, it is repentance that is the key to every kind of success we expect in the future. The church will be stronger, and the individual of faith will be empowered when we do turn to God. As we repent, many others will be saved. We should not harden our hearts, but instead open them fully to a just and loving God.
Stay safe and God bless you personally during these perilous times.
