In Uncertain Times, God’s Name Is Our Refuge

6/20/2020 Christianity , COVID 19 23 Comments

People ask why many have died of this new coronavirus. The answer is simple: It is because the Bible speaks of a time to kill and a time to die.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (KJV) says,


The season and time under heaven being referred to are the seasons and time here on earth, not in the kingdom of God in heaven because there is only one season there.

The seasons are part of nature’s law, and here on earth, there is a season and a time for everything and for every purpose — such as a time to be born, a time to die, and a time to kill, to name some.

As far as we are concerned, our time to be born had come but our time to die is yet to come. People die but they die in different ways. While many die the natural and peaceful way, there are some who die in an extraordinary manner — either it could be a gory death or the person has to languish in bed for a long time while going through many difficulties and discomfort before succumbing to death, like what happened to some of the victims of Covid-19.

I believe that in this generation, many are destined to die in this pandemic. The global death toll has reached hundreds of thousands and the number of deaths is still growing by the day. This is a fulfillment of what the Bible says: there is a time to die . . . there is a time to kill.

In general, all men want to live long lives. Although it is not for man to decree his lifespan, he can hope for a long life if he develops fear in the Lord.

As it is written in Proverbs 10:27 (KJV),


Even if there is an appointed time for people to die, there is still a hundred percent possibility that God will prolong their lives if, before their appointed time to die comes, they were able to develop faith and fear in Him. In other words, God may delay or postpone the death of people. And that is very possible since time and seasons are under His administration; and by His mercy, He may prolong the days of those who fear Him.

The Bible also has specific admonitions for children to live long.

Ephesians 6:1-3 (KJV) says,


According to the words of God, children who are obedient and respectful to their parents are promised long lives. We can expect that this promise will be fulfilled because the words of God can never be false — they are always true.

If for children, the key to having long lives is to be respectful and obedient to their parents, for us sinners, it is in our repentance for our sins and in our fear and obedience to God.

So, if you want to be saved from this pandemic that we are facing right now, if you want to live much longer, and if you want to see better days ahead, repent for the sins that you have committed, abide by the words of God, turn away from your wicked ways, and start living a righteous life.

Perhaps, this global health crisis is really bound to happen because so many people now no longer fear God; perhaps this is a wake-up call to all of them.

It is just very disappointing that in crucial times like this, there are still people who take advantage of the plight of their fellowmen. There are those who hoard goods and sell them at higher prices. And worse, there are some officials of local government units who even try to get a cut or a share from the financial assistance provided by the national government to impoverished families—some of these officials were found to just give half of the correct amount meant for the poor families. What gross heartlessness!

It has been more than half a year now since the Covid-19 outbreak. By this time, most people seem to be sick and tired of community quarantines and complain about their restricted mobility. People want an end to this health crisis and want to go back to their regular way of life. However, it will only happen if the virus is contained and prevented from spreading. To achieve this, everybody’s cooperation is required. But as long as some citizens continue to be headstrong, defiant, and uncooperative with the measures employed by the government—like wearing face masks and staying at home instead of gallivanting—then community quarantines are here to stay. So let us just cooperate. It is better to sacrifice and endure a little hardship now while there is no cure for Covid-19 yet, than spend the rest of your lives in fear and misery.

What we need now is a concerted effort geared towards the common good. We need to help each other. We need to help the government. And we also have to do our share, no matter how small it is, in easing the difficulty of our current situation.

On our end, although our primary aim is to share with the people the teachings of God and the Lord Jesus Christ written in the Bible, we know that we have a moral obligation to do good deeds unto all men. That is why we in the Church of God International, with God’s help, are doing our best in augmenting the needs of our fellowmen.

For instance, in cooperation with UNTV News and Rescue, we are able to offer those with health concerns a 24/7 digital consultation with doctors whose services are being given for free.

We also distribute bags of relief goods and other essentials, not only to our brethren in faith but also to other people regardless of their religions. And we deliver them right on their doorsteps so that they wouldn’t need to go out of their dwellings. After all, in going out, there is always a risk of acquiring the virus.

Moreover, our brethren are constantly reminded to exercise extra caution, observe all of the health protocols, and listen to the directives of the government. Above all, we constantly remind our brethren to always pray to God and implore His divine intervention.

Nobody knows until when Covid-19 is going to wreak havoc to humanity. With this uncertainty ahead of us, our only refuge is the name of the Lord. So let us not fail to call upon His name and let us always ask for His mercy. Let us pray that the “time to die” and the “time to kill” come to pass at the soonest possible time, and may the “time to heal” be at hand. The whole world needs the kind of healing that only God and the Lord Jesus Christ can give. AMEN!