DISCIPLE

      The question arises because some cite texts like Psalm 91:3, 5-7, 10 as a promise that Christians will not be touched by any sickness or pestilence.       “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence” (v. 3) “Thou shalt not be afraid... 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” (vs. 5-7). “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling” (v. 10).      Some  post this text over their door or in their home, as if to protect them. This may be well intentioned, but it borders on superstition. It is good to have Scripture texts in the home or workplace, to remind and encourage us, but these do not give us protection. It is certainly true that God can protect those who trust in Him. When the plagues...

  by Camilo Vásquez “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Pet. 1:6).     How long will this pandemic last?  Some health authorities indicate that from the time the first case is detected it will be 12 weeks till the height of the crisis is reached, and from there the effects could last up to two years.     Although this pandemic affects the entire world and is not directed particularly at God’s people, it is still a trial of faith for every believer.  For example, we are told that in the days of the Roman emperor Claudius there was a great famine in all the territory dominated by Rome. This affected even the church in Judea and mobilized the brethren in Antioch to send relief (Acts 11:28-30).     Peter speaks of the trials of God’s people as lasting “for a season,” which means “briefly.” But God’s idea of brief is different from ours. This...