Introduction
The 21st Century now has its own universal plague on the record. Previous centuries dealt with similar, critical, global health crises, such as the Spanish Flu and so forth. Now, in the first quarter of 2020, the entire globe has been shut down because of the corona-virus, technically named COVID-19. This pandemic must be gotten rid of with great urgency.
We are living in interesting times. We are more aware, than ever before, that the world will never be the same. In fact, I have observed that the collapse of the last world order came in a 10 day period, Monday March 2 - Wednesday March 11, 2020.
There is great fear. Fear that the predicted high number of deaths will indeed occur. In some instances political leaders and local office holders are taking liberty to rendezvous with dictatorial policies. The uncertainty around how to move forward, how long to keep people in their homes, how long to keep the economies at standstill, how long to keep the planes out of the air, how long to keep farmers out of the farms and how long to keep airports closed remain some of the troubling questions?
These are pertinent questions. Can you picture the grim situation facing world leaders? This is where we come in. Christians and Jews! We have the key. We have the answer! No we are not scientists. However, Christian leaders and Rabbis have been hearing from the Lord on the way forward. Stay tuned.
We have learnt new terms such as:
Social distance/distancing, Therapeutics, the names of recommended drugs for treatment, “Comfort” and “Mercy” the names of the ships sent to New York and California. We hear often about Ventilators, N-95 Masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the like. We must remain vigilant and pray, pray without ceasing. Please continue to pray for governments and medical professionals even after the “storm” has passed. The trauma may linger long after the virus is deemed “conquered.”
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
A second matter that also has global implication is the Arab-Israeli Conflict. COVID-19 is raging all across the Middle East, like elsewhere. Yet, Hamas and others continue to threaten the Sovereign State of Israel, and ultimately, the peace and security of the region.
Since the miraculous rebirth of the nation-state, Israel, the whole world seems to be watching her every move and seeks to interfere in her internal-domestic-affairs quite frequently.
This is because Israel is the major geopolitical factor of our time. She is crucial to the destinies to other countries. Thru’ her existence in the Last Days many nations will rise and fall.
The Oil Industry
Very little commerce is permitted during the COVID-19 shutdown. There is little need for oil and gas since governments are encouraging their people to stay indoors, stay-at-home, with the hope, the medical experts will be proven right. These experts have advocated that in order to “starve the Coronavirus” of life, as it is transmitted from human-to-human, human contact must be limited, hence the term “social distancing.” Consequently, cars are mostly parked in driveways and on sides of streets. There is little demand for gas or for motor vehicles. Therefore, the oil industry, nationally and internationally, is under grave threat. Lack of demand has driven prices down. There is fear in some quarters that the industry might collapse.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Russia were having a pricing dispute which had also contributed to the fall in the US stock market. President Trump had offered to mediate between these two oil exporters.
The outbreak and rapid spread of the Coronavirus have severely impacted all aspects of human activity. Wealthy nations are on the verge of grave economic decline. For many, it will take a great miracle to rebound. However, nothing is impossible with God.
No Church, No Religious Meetings on Site
Additionally, large and small gatherings are discouraged. Thus, churches are closed. This followed the command by public officials to “stay-at-home.”
Religious gatherings are not allowed or you can say have been “temporarily banned.” Oh, the churches have devised means of communication on multiple social media platforms and apps.
The conditions around the world are softening the hearts of many people who are now turning to God for hope and salvation.
The China Factor
The coronavirus allegedly emanated from China. This Communist State continues to deny that China is responsible for spread of the virus. Likewise, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has not been very truthful, transparent or critical of China. So, what is the solution? The US along with her Western allies and Israel are investing huge financial, intellectual resources and time to develop breakthrough drugs and vaccines to end the deadly power of COVID-19.