Sunday, February 2, 2025

Reflection - In The World - Wars And Pestilences

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 47, "Wars And Pestilences", Page 246.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Just over a century ago, in the year 1918, the world had exhausted itself after 4 years of a world war that took the lives of more than 15 million people.
PHOTO: Just over a century ago, in the year 1918, the world had exhausted itself after 4 years of a world war that took the lives of more than 15 million people. To rub salt into the wounds of a despairing world, an epidemic of global proportions emerged that same year. Like an angry tornado of death, the Spanish flu of 1918 swept across the world, killing at least 50 million people.

The tragic period in history was largely forgotten in the century that ensued (until 2020, when the world was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic), but it had been a time of real terror for the people. The flu virus caused an infectious and deadly airborne disease that killed its victims through pneumonia. The world came to a halt. Many public places, including some churches, were closed. The epidemic abated (subsided) only after taking millions of people to the grave.

As I completed the first version of this piece, the headlines were dominated by two events - the war in Iraq and the SARS epidemic. Both caused global concern, interest, and panic. SARS affected my hometown of Singapore too and brought about all kinds of reactions among Singaporeans. The churches were not spared. The death of a pastor raised many questions among Christians. The year 2020 brought about a far more devastating pandemic, one that is still gripping the world in so many ways. How should we as Christians respond to such tragic and dangerous circumstances?

Wars, pestilences, and economic disasters (what the Bible calls "famines") are not new to the human race. God is not surprised by them either. These tragic themes have become common strands (stop to move) running through the course of human history. How could we explain them?

The Bible acknowledges the existence of radical evil. Scripture names the devil and a host of dark forces that seek to destroy and do harm. These principalities and powers are often embedded in the structures of our world and work in collusion with our sinful human hearts. We know little about them; much mystery remains.

What we know most acutely is our human condition and its key problems - sin and death. It was to address sin and death that God sent His Son. At the bottom of all our discourses. arguments, discussions, and explanations about war and pestilence, we find these primary issues. Only by reckoning with sin and death would recognise the true solution found in Christ our Lord.

Only by being rooted in the biblical diagnosis of our condition and the gospel solution found in Christ can we respond adequately and appropriately to the challenges of our times. Let us especially consider two ways to respond.

First, we must respond with faith.

John Donne, the 17th century English spiritual writer and Anglican priest, came down with a serious illness at the prime of his life. He thought that it was bubonic plague, since many around him were dying of a mystery illness, and their deaths were announced by the ringing of church bells. Providentially, Donne recovered. He wrote a book of 23 devotions based on his experience, as well as a poem: "For Whom the Bell Tolls". [1a] The devotions reflect his struggles coming to terms with what he thought was a disease that would take his life.

Donne asked God whether his affliction was a "correction" or a "mercy". [2] He had difficulty interpreting his condition. Was God punishing him, or did God have a higher mysterious purpose? In the midst of many questions, he saw God hand on him and knew that it was a sovereign and loving hand. He surrendered himself to God, trusting that God was with him, and that perfect joy and glory belonged to the future. He kept company with Job, the man who suffered in every way, and who said to God, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). His was the response of faith in a God who is with us.

Second, we must respond with courage and compassion.

The French Algerian writer Albert Camus wrote his famous novel, The Plague, in 1940. [3] It tells the story of a plague in the city of Oran, and how the people responded in different ways. In the novel's many layers of meaning are embedded some important lessons for us. The novel was really written as a criticism of indifference in a time of crisis. Camus told his story of the plague against the historical backdrop of a global war fuelled by an ascendent (rising in power) Nazism (far-right totalitarian socio-political ideology and practices associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi). Those who fled in panic when the plague struck were individualists who only thought of their own survival. They were not part of the solution; they were part of the problem. What was required was community spirit and responsibility, with acts of courage and compassion.

I am reminded of a real plague that struck the world in 250 - Cyprian's plague, named after a bishop, not because he caused it but because he mobilised the church to respond in such a way that the world noticed. It was probably an epidemic of smallpox, a deadly and highly contagious disease. It killed more than 5,000 people daily and lasted for 16 years. There was much panic and some even blamed Christians for the epidemic. Those who did not know the hope that is in Christ were extremely afraid. They did not go near the sick. They discarded the dead bodies of loved ones on the streets. Cyprian got the Christians to go out, to care for the sick and dying, and to bury the dead.

What will our response be in times of war and pestilence? Would we panic and behave like practical atheists (professing faith in God but behaving as if there was no God), severely curtailing our worship of God and service for Him? Surely not! On the other hand, should we live recklessly, confusing foolhardiness with faith? No - we must take precautions, not only for our own safety, but most importantly, for the sake of others. Nevertheless, as we take precautions, let us avoid hysteria and panic, for these do not come from faith in an almighty and loving God. And let us not withdraw into narcissistic strategies of self-preservation. Instead, let us break out from self-centred individualism, to show courage and compassion in the face of crisis and in how we respond to those who suffer.

Will being a Christian make a difference to our response to war and pestilence? Our answer has to be clearly declared and convincingly demonstrated.


Just over a century ago, in the year 1918, the world had exhausted itself after 4 years of a world war that took the lives of more than 15 million people. To rub salt into the wounds of a despairing world, an epidemic of global proportions emerged that same year. Like an angry tornado of death, the Spanish flu of 1918 swept across the world, killing at least 50 million people.


 Just over a century ago, in the year 1918, the world had exhausted itself after 4 years of a world war that took the lives of more than 15 million people.
PHOTO: Just over a century ago, in the year 1918, the world had exhausted itself after 4 years of a world war that took the lives of more than 15 million people. To rub salt into the wounds of a despairing world, an epidemic of global proportions emerged that same year. Like an angry tornado of death, the Spanish flu of 1918 swept across the world, killing at least 50 million people.
Picture posted by FotoBlik - The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmTwjFCF4f4WiOk9S9BZANVW_NkGl4YVJJlA1gHpuI5Pl3asExovjcW2TaHzL4c_9dbjGXrX8dYUnqM9Kyu234Wex39ZVmYjI7boucW99eAY6LDGJTSKCZwtNsdzGrEgL5jh2aQjSqlBcijTxTeT5jUud8KZ7Ob1QTP0qhoownAW8Qwh4TsR_b9NNa9o/s1200/vsadniki-apokalipsisa-na-angliiskom-2.png
https://fotoblik.ru/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/vsadniki-apokalipsisa-na-angliiskom-2.webp
https://fotoblik.ru/chetyre-vsadnika-apokalipsisa-kartinki


The tragic period in history was largely forgotten in the century that ensued (until 2020, when the world was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic), but it had been a time of real terror for the people. The flu virus caused an infectious and deadly airborne disease that killed its victims through pneumonia. The world came to a halt. Many public places, including some churches, were closed. The epidemic abated (subsided) only after taking millions of people to the grave.


 The tragic period in history was largely forgotten in the century that ensued (until 2020, when the world was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic), but it had been a time of real terror for the people.
PHOTO: The tragic period in history was largely forgotten in the century that ensued (until 2020, when the world was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic), but it had been a time of real terror for the people. The flu virus caused an infectious and deadly airborne disease that killed its victims through pneumonia. The world came to a halt. Many public places, including some churches, were closed. The epidemic abated (subsided) only after taking millions of people to the grave.
Picture posted by Lisa Schlein on 22 December 2022
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7gjMc92fm_Kh7UzWGwhqTS3nmj3mNOkqiS3Vkm67WZdY785spyUgzCav4IeUy3Fd2IKyx_du61foZrO6VdZnGDekgn3XBNR3h1OpNXapJFC19NN_KUb2Gq3dZv5XmkChmG8xIa7woXeUMuwsIHAiIbS_M113bAgOPF-8jJKf80ILUCa_igbFj5mVVfA/s1597/03370000-0aff-0242-14c7-08dae43d89d2_w1597_n_r1_st_s.png
https://gdb.voanews.com/03370000-0aff-0242-14c7-08dae43d89d2_w1597_n_r1_st_s.jpg
https://www.voanews.com/a/who-urges-china-to-share-data-on-origin-of-covid-19-pandemic-/6887520.html


As I completed the first version of this piece, the headlines were dominated by two events - the war in Iraq and the SARS epidemic. Both caused global concern, interest, and panic. SARS affected my hometown of Singapore too and brought about all kinds of reactions among Singaporeans. The churches were not spared. The death of a pastor raised many questions among Christians. The year 2020 brought about a far more devastating pandemic, one that is still gripping the world in so many ways. How should we as Christians respond to such tragic and dangerous circumstances?


 As I completed the first version of this piece, the headlines were dominated by two events - the war in Iraq and the SARS epidemic.
PHOTO: As I completed the first version of this piece, the headlines were dominated by two events - the war in Iraq and the SARS epidemic. Both caused global concern, interest, and panic. SARS affected my hometown of Singapore too and brought about all kinds of reactions among Singaporeans. The churches were not spared. The death of a pastor raised many questions among Christians. The year 2020 brought about a far more devastating pandemic, one that is still gripping the world in so many ways. How should we as Christians respond to such tragic and dangerous circumstances?
Picture posted by Ghoster @Ghoster50nightcafe - The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse


 Wars, pestilences, and economic disasters (what the Bible calls
PHOTO: Wars, pestilences, and economic disasters (what the Bible calls "famines") are not new to the human race. God is not surprised by them either. These tragic themes have become common strands (stop to move) running through the course of human history. How could we explain them?
Picture posted by Ghoster @Ghoster50nightcafe - The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qedshQ085c_0iqwq0Q-RuungS1QQHJbY3C0sHf5XyZXHyy_yPzubOmLZrZxSvY8vH9NTQGOMVmAJkx1-4Tp2CWVPeUmsG57hCyjLGjwUqKGruMKHJfJUEl7cNQCpUMzrDyqeveLt8Rzz9LyH3vw2dxumid2fCxhciEBF1pdYsM9O5Nvcb2JIDEZ4KsE/s1600/3QjhB64hmvNDeclUPQqb-bUpuM_7.8125x.jpg
https://images.nightcafe.studio/jobs/3QjhB64hmvNDeclUPQqb/3QjhB64hmvNDeclUPQqb-bUpuM_7.8125x.jpg?tr=w-1600,c-at_max
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/3QjhB64hmvNDeclUPQqb


The Bible acknowledges the existence of radical evil. Scripture names the devil and a host of dark forces that seek to destroy and do harm. These principalities and powers are often embedded in the structures of our world and work in collusion with our sinful human hearts. We know little about them; much mystery remains.


 The Bible acknowledges the existence of radical evil. Scripture names the devil and a host of dark forces that seek to destroy and do harm.
PHOTO: The Bible acknowledges the existence of radical evil. Scripture names the devil and a host of dark forces that seek to destroy and do harm. These principalities and powers are often embedded in the structures of our world and work in collusion with our sinful human hearts. We know little about them; much mystery remains.
Picture posted by Ghoster @Ghoster50nightcafe - Lightning Dragon
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQrCKTfnMZ4B3jpNZFEavoGJPO2WU9Khmpt5CGu1eHNu_Qni4c0O1Li-U6EDXyfIP_sMliwSzzx1CTW8htuRW4_Bmg988ZLrmn8yvAPelretcvD7Yu5jP-jW17Sgz7PC5TM4xi_rPqd_Kb9DtsDWA1QaebpbaGaDxAsf2fsLK3CDiomlLJIKKh-IcXKA/s1600/Hk1hcUAzVqRUQqlx6a8q--1--gyc5v_7.8125x.jpg
https://images.nightcafe.studio/jobs/Hk1hcUAzVqRUQqlx6a8q/Hk1hcUAzVqRUQqlx6a8q--1--gyc5v_7.8125x.jpg?tr=w-1600,c-at_max
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/Hk1hcUAzVqRUQqlx6a8q


What we know most acutely is our human condition and its key problems - sin and death. It was to address sin and death that God sent His Son. At the bottom of all our discourses. arguments, discussions, and explanations about war and pestilence, we find these primary issues. Only by reckoning with sin and death would recognise the true solution found in Christ our Lord.
 

 What we know most acutely is our human condition and its key problems - sin and death.
PHOTO: What we know most acutely is our human condition and its key problems - sin and death. It was to address sin and death that God sent His Son. At the bottom of all our discourses. arguments, discussions, and explanations about war and pestilence, we find these primary issues. Only by reckoning with sin and death would recognise the true solution found in Christ our Lord.
Picture posted by PX Pixel - Psychedelic Devil
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KkcE-3tNdv-h1wFB7sfNLv1DOwGcyVIbCIxkXPrTg5YSO-WSKrgNOOpK89D8telyYxVRNMj_PXOtHzygAwRL5YUY96OpRm_gz4W5SvkDJDibsOtQKpURT5W1YjgRtquV6TBofru6pD0pjCcVqo4kEpgIFa77UL2BpQjtqpxp4WEd1T4erJ65vxA4kI8/s700/martin-hicks-transparent.jpg
https://pixels.com/featured/psychedelic-devil-gift-idea-for-satan-lucifer-followers-trippy-hippy-simple-halloween-costume-idea-martin-hicks.html?product=greeting-card


Only by being rooted in the biblical diagnosis of our condition and the gospel solution found in Christ can we respond adequately and appropriately to the challenges of our times. Let us especially consider two ways to respond.

First, we must respond with faith.
 

 Only by being rooted in the biblical diagnosis of our condition and the gospel solution found in Christ can we respond adequately and appropriately to the challenges of our times.
PHOTO: Only by being rooted in the biblical diagnosis of our condition and the gospel solution found in Christ can we respond adequately and appropriately to the challenges of our times. Let us especially consider two ways to respond.
First, we must respond with faith.
Picture posted by God versus religion
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rxafWLFgKwfoh2QE_TFVFXhfRHdy5aztLJKdEZ7Rm4NUzq-mhjBihyphenhyphenUeF2WC1RN1upQcu3loUFQvtmtaElOsq2FVsIyL1MU_JbYYesWoooQIjgsIVxskcNiBKf6ZumVxWtTbR2en-iCt8h8wdJnN_sV5WGIoTKl0Jg54Ze53Ql9z27c80Ej32hq77CE/s1024/faith-in-things-unseen-1200-1200.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/godversusreligion.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/faith-in-things-unseen-1200-1200.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1
https://godversusreligion.com/tag/faith/


John Donne, the 17th century English spiritual writer and Anglican priest, came down with a serious illness at the prime of his life. He thought that it was bubonic plague, since many around him were dying of a mystery illness, and their deaths were announced by the ringing of church bells. Providentially, Donne recovered. He wrote a book of 23 devotions based on his experience, as well as a poem: "For Whom the Bell Tolls". [1a] The devotions reflect his struggles coming to terms with what he thought was a disease that would take his life.

Donne asked God whether his affliction was a "correction" or a "mercy". [2] He had difficulty interpreting his condition. Was God punishing him, or did God have a higher mysterious purpose? In the midst of many questions, he saw God hand on him and knew that it was a sovereign and loving hand. He surrendered himself to God, trusting that God was with him, and that perfect joy and glory belonged to the future. He kept company with Job, the man who suffered in every way, and who said to God, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). His was the response of faith in a God who is with us.


 John Donne, the 17th century English spiritual writer and Anglican priest, came down with a serious illness at the prime of his life.
PHOTO: John Donne, the 17th century English spiritual writer and Anglican priest, came down with a serious illness at the prime of his life. He thought that it was bubonic plague, since many around him were dying of a mystery illness, and their deaths were announced by the ringing of church bells. Providentially, Donne recovered. He wrote a book of 23 devotions based on his experience, as well as a poem: "For Whom the Bell Tolls". [1a] The devotions reflect his struggles coming to terms with what he thought was a disease that would take his life.
Picture posted by Julieta Abella, Poem Analysis
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw2_AF50iTzzQieGlq8wuszJnzI2IVlo06MfSQC7d1Y0usvzINO0wSPz2jLvZL6lnz7PNsSkPZZW_7zlJ4EhX3oc6MSkJrk3zLmBhOcPIJkwVsLTxYyJq7BQL4ronwpPEnxOaN7erZdln8xOe-2lCI5dfrpPWYeAF1C-vw3o929gPS_9BFqv4k6NDJ4w/s1344/Batter-my-Heart-Holy-Sonnet-14-by-John-Donne-Visual-Representation.jpg
https://poemanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Batter-my-Heart-Holy-Sonnet-14-by-John-Donne-Visual-Representation.jpg
https://poemanalysis.com/john-donne/batter-my-heart/


Second, we must respond with courage and compassion.
 

 Second, we must respond with courage and compassion
PHOTO: Second, we must respond with courage and compassion.
Picture posted by Doc Christensen, Altus Fine Art - Leap of Faith
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpqGOIaZAfhTM0ePxmmusbpQRtVyWcG2DGlxCLmvDRJ3LjKUji6w2ZLtsQmqPfKY8ZmRJFyqAP6CArROjH39JPyEkZKMTJckJXMhXP_k9vMjWueX-wCSgUHAQx_znf-sUxq_hzONb_MXzzfz-UZej1iZMjSIu2RIpHiozYjMeCjeClv17zks-_v9kRww/s1000/DC10881P1.png
https://altusfineart.com/cdn/shop/products/DC10881P1.jpg?v=1623785828&width=5000
https://altusfineart.com/products/doc-christensen-leap-of-faith-girl-jumping-jesus


The French Algerian writer Albert Camus wrote his famous novel, The Plague, in 1940. [3] It tells the story of a plague in the city of Oran, and how the people responded in different ways. In the novel's many layers of meaning are embedded some important lessons for us. The novel was really written as a criticism of indifference in a time of crisis. Camus told his story of the plague against the historical backdrop of a global war fuelled by an ascendent (rising in power) Nazism (far-right totalitarian socio-political ideology and practices associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi). Those who fled in panic when the plague struck were individualists who only thought of their own survival. They were not part of the solution; they were part of the problem. What was required was community spirit and responsibility, with acts of courage and compassion.
 

 The French Algerian writer Albert Camus wrote his famous novel, The Plague, in 1940.
PHOTO: The French Algerian writer Albert Camus wrote his famous novel, The Plague, in 1940. [3] It tells the story of a plague in the city of Oran, and how the people responded in different ways. In the novel's many layers of meaning are embedded some important lessons for us. The novel was really written as a criticism of indifference in a time of crisis. Camus told his story of the plague against the historical backdrop of a global war fuelled by an ascendent (rising in power) Nazism (far-right totalitarian socio-political ideology and practices associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi). Those who fled in panic when the plague struck were individualists who only thought of their own survival. They were not part of the solution; they were part of the problem. What was required was community spirit and responsibility, with acts of courage and compassion.
Picture posted by Eureka Street on 04 May 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrv7TEP5bWfL2sTB5aM-o5cjGghxOqtBtMdszqF_qD4d7EncUOH98Q9jwSyfteE40txWCK7c7S5w7cZDMvld7R4EEJgd42UyqwjPnc4XJb2irXc5r5lA78vHbYC8lXoESsfcbn6B-CI4-Qa20AD74KKz1CgtInXqVQSlJEB0i6t2gW8SHiDY-e_3_5r4/s800/91775.jpg
https://www.eurekastreet.com.au/uploads/Image/20/91775.jpg
https://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article/learning-in-a-time-of-pestilence


I am reminded of a real plague that struck the world in 250 - Cyprian's plague, named after a bishop, not because he caused it but because he mobilised the church to respond in such a way that the world noticed. It was probably an epidemic of smallpox, a deadly and highly contagious disease. It killed more than 5,000 people daily and lasted for 16 years. There was much panic and some even blamed Christians for the epidemic. Those who did not know the hope that is in Christ were extremely afraid. They did not go near the sick. They discarded the dead bodies of loved ones on the streets. Cyprian got the Christians to go out, to care for the sick and dying, and to bury the dead.


 I am reminded of a real plague that struck the world in 250 - Cyprian's plague, named after a bishop, not because he caused it but because he mobilised the church to respond in such a way that the world noticed.
PHOTO: I am reminded of a real plague that struck the world in 250 - Cyprian's plague, named after a bishop, not because he caused it but because he mobilised the church to respond in such a way that the world noticed. It was probably an epidemic of smallpox, a deadly and highly contagious disease. It killed more than 5,000 people daily and lasted for 16 years. There was much panic and some even blamed Christians for the epidemic. Those who did not know the hope that is in Christ were extremely afraid. They did not go near the sick. They discarded the dead bodies of loved ones on the streets. Cyprian got the Christians to go out, to care for the sick and dying, and to bury the dead.
Picture posted by Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio on 12 February 2016 - Cyprian’s Plague and the Insanity of Christian Service
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsWojrHzcaLoeyLXMunn2zJ8npfnsy1ioN6CFQ6OZybBr2CRZjrcG1uZau1CU-vEbsuOBK-NNtO9HJ6uEXgy0kEpUaaIKWd7LELEkHlOjlu67KpotrVXk8jldpKl1oEoF25BTA7twisCd2D_UgTfjTHpOWQY1lkEZB0I7JerYT7CemWTTaOWC6DbB36k/s814/images.squarespace-cdn_11.png
https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/blogs/cyprians-plague-and-the-insanity-of-christian-service/


What will our response be in times of war and pestilence? Would we panic and behave like practical atheists (professing faith in God but behaving as if there was no God), severely curtailing our worship of God and service for Him? Surely not! On the other hand, should we live recklessly, confusing foolhardiness with faith? No - we must take precautions, not only for our own safety, but most importantly, for the sake of others. Nevertheless, as we take precautions, let us avoid hysteria and panic, for these do not come from faith in an almighty and loving God. And let us not withdraw into narcissistic strategies of self-preservation. Instead, let us break out from self-centred individualism, to show courage and compassion in the face of crisis and in how we respond to those who suffer.

Will being a Christian make a difference to our response to war and pestilence? Our answer has to be clearly declared and convincingly demonstrated.


 Will being a Christian make a difference to our response to war and pestilence? Our answer has to be clearly declared and convincingly demonstrated.
PHOTO: Will being a Christian make a difference to our response to war and pestilence? Our answer has to be clearly declared and convincingly demonstrated.
Drawing by a staff artist at Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper
Picture posted by Devin Gannon on 30 May 2018 - One week after the Brooklyn Bridge opened, a rumor of its collapse caused a fatal stampede
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kPm9ePk5mX_M8LQqZSpIwyi5GeGoM-0oFSIcs3e2cJQkhiJEPbv05eyykkuPFOWRHqwpxKjRBHsLlKxw72Vt8fmE7SIxGogzMG2ffWjQqKW-TXUpjyO8AdYASyS7iu0I-Wn2hDkA75XnyeD-BqV0nTTXo30upyGIHPIXLybKIF64ROkb9ismrCXVCWM/s1560/Bk-bridge-stampede_1.png
https://thumbs.6sqft.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/30134105/Bk-bridge-stampede.jpg
https://www.6sqft.com/one-week-after-the-brooklyn-bridge-opened-a-rumor-of-its-collapse-caused-a-fatal-stampede/
 

 Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that we will not panic and behave like practical atheists (professing faith in God but behaving as if there was no God), severely curtailing our worship of God and service for Him.

May we not live recklessly, confusing foolhardiness with faith. Please help us to take precautions, not only for our own safety, but most importantly, for the sake of others. As we take precautions, let us avoid hysteria and panic, for these do not come from faith in an almighty and loving God.

May we not withdraw into narcissistic strategies of self-preservation. Instead, let us break out from self-centred individualism, to show courage and compassion in the face of crisis and in how we respond to those who suffer.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by Vinsensius Antonius
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvp2WjGE4R3s6WHzdDpUFz4WcFCqmf3-cTGOPRbnsqZ6Kuysx_K5r180zU3v2y-r5tt4d_eAaK1Z6Znd3zAY8EqPb1Xkn_CkyODRdIZ-6AFJ_nxUKpw7p14YU7JA6KngTDlLuUkYGFhODGLgRMZDOKbVSenUi9eAqKvq-ZckPFFBqFmZd8kAtl5ZKQf0/s1024/314cb181bf770c700b20074cd9eea392_1.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/31/4c/b1/314cb181bf770c700b20074cd9eea392.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/98164466874035862/

Reflection - In The World - Wars And Pestilences
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 47, "Wars And Pestilences", Page 246.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

 Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html
 
 
"Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/08/reflection-making-all-things-new.html



Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 47, "Wars And Pestilences", Page 246.

[1a] John Donne, "For Whom the Bell Tolls," Your Daily Poem.com, http://www.yourdailypoem.com/listpoem.jsp?poem_id-2118. (Note: poem not found now)

[2] John Donne, "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions," Project Gutenberg, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/23772/23772-h/23772-h.htm. See "Pg 50".

[3] Albert Camus, The Plague (London: Penguin Modern Classics, 2001).

Links


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