World Quarantine 

17th April 2020

 
Brett Crosson, Pastor, Emmanuel Pentecostal Church, Great Yarmouth, shares his thoughts on World Quarantine (adapted from ‘Angels wings and things’)
 

 
The Latin root of the word 'quarantine' is 'forty'.  So what does the Bible say about 40?

the flood lasted 40 days;
at 40 Moses fled Egypt;
40 years later he encounters God in the burning bush and was sent back to Egypt to set people free;
he led the nation of Israel for 40 years before they transitioned into the Promised Land.
for 40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Commandments;
righteous kings like David and Jehoshaphat reigned for 40 years.
Jesus fasted for 40 days;
Lent is 40 days;
40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth

 
Many theologians believe the number 40 represents 'change'. It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a fundamental change.
Something will happen after these days of quarantine. Just believe and pray
 
Remember, whenever the number 40 appears in the Bible, there is a 'change'
 
Please know that during this 'quarantine' rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less crime, healing is happening, and most importantly, people are turning to Christ
 
People who have lost their way are coming home. People who have forgotten how to pray are calling out to God again. The sale of Bibles has gone up. Google searches regarding Christ and spiritual things have drastically increased. Churches are closed but homes are becoming sanctuaries
 
The Earth is somewhat at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming
 
So, during this time, enjoy it with your loved ones and return to the family altar together
 
Family prayer is a great blessing. Through prayer you will see the changes God can work in you and in your home
 
Christ promises us that everything works together for the good for those who love God: Romans 8:28!
 
Remember we are in the year 2020, and 20 + 20 = 40
 
10 is sometimes regarded as a time of waiting in the Bible (Rev. 2:10; Acts 2; etc

So 20 (2x10) is a time of perfect waiting. Jacob, for example, worked for Laban for 20 years before much needed change came
 
For ancient Israel 20 years of age marked readiness for military service
 
Also, 2020 is the year of the United States Census

Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, was born during a census
 
Lastly, 2020 is regarded as perfect vision. May our sight focus on the Lord and living according to His perfect vision for us knowing He holds us in the palm of His hand
 
May these days of 'quarantine' bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation, and our world
The best is yet to come - for those who put their hope in the Lord shall never be put to shame
 
Trust in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
 

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint

Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord;

    he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.
Blessed is the one
    who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
    to those who turn aside to false gods.[b]
Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
    but my ears you have opened[c]—
    burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
    it is written about me in the scroll.[e]
I desire to do your will, my God;
    your law is within my heart.”
I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
    I do not seal my lips, Lord,
    as you know.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
    I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
    from the great assembly.
Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
    may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
    my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
    and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, Lord;
    come quickly, Lord, to help me.
1May all who want to take my life
    be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
    be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
    be appalled at their own shame.
But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
    may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    you are my God, do not delay
 

2 Chronicles 20:20

Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful

image courtesy of https://pixabay.com

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