In the Bible are many rules for how we ought to live our lives. Some of these rules are extremely practical and were years ahead of science in the effectiveness of what they accomplished. Many of these rules are forgotten or ignored today. We are told that we no longer have to follow those old rules because they have been done away with or that we are no longer "under" them. I say in this time it might be important to look at and consider following some of them. It may not be for your eternal salvation, but it may be for salvation in this life.
By now, I think most people have heard of Ebola and have seen it spread first in Africa, and now to various other countries including the United States. This is a very serious deisease and despite the taking of some precautions, has spread to others who have been in contact with still others. Whatever the reasons given for this spread, and the mutations possible, mistakes, etc... I would argue that it comes down to this, people do not know and are not following the laws of God.
There were many rules about clean and unclean things. People with diseases were set apart from the camp. Women when menstruating were unclean. Anyone who touched a dead person or animal was unclean. All soldiers had to have a shovel so they could bury their human waste. Washing of hands, keeping storehouses clean, and other such ideas were all contained in Jewish law and tradition given to them by God. If we look at how the Ebola and other diseases are spread, following Torah rules would help in preventing the spread.
Isolation seems to be a key ingredient to holding down the spread of disease, biblically. For many reasons folks would have to separate themselves from the community when they were "unclean". They would also have to be inspected before they could return to the community as "clean". We seem to be ignoring this during this Ebola outbreak and have even seen leaders say that such isolation would be "inhumane". Inhumane? It only makes sense, but I guess if you do not follow God, anything is OK.
During the middle ages when the black plague pandemic killed of huge populations in Europe, there was one particular group of people who were far less effected by the plague than everyone else. It was the Jewish people. It was precisely because of their observance of Torah that allowed them to survive in greater numbers where others perished. It was their laws of clean living that prevented them from having the conditions present for the spread of the disease in the Jewish communities. As a result, they became economic powerhouses and gained the wealth that the dying had left. Because of their survival, the remaining who survived blamed the Jews and accused them of poisoning the water to take control of the countries. They were then expelled from the nations, or faced death.
If this Ebola grows into a pandemic, it may be those very laws in the Torah that allow you to survive. Keeping yourself clean, you area clean, and if society won't isolate the sick, we may have to isolate ourselves.
Even if Ebola does not grow into a pandemic, living this way will certainly keep you healthy and help you to live rather disease free, for the most part. It is a promise from God. And if that is not enough, all of it is verified by the science we know about. While we are not saved spiritually by looking to observance of the law, observing the law can save you. It might be time to take another look at the law and what it says.
Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Psalm 91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
1 comment:
Amein!
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