Inadvisability Of Allowing The Locust To Eat 2021 As It Did In 2020
It is not an exaggeration to say that this writer will never forget how the biblical injunction in Joel Chapter 1 verse 4 that says, “That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten, found expression in COVID-19 in 2020.
To lay emphasis on the foregoing view, it is apt to say that even if God, by His grace, gives this writer 150 years here on earth, that he will never forget the unprecedented level of devastation COVID-19 brought upon the global economy, and in this context, specifically to Nigeria’s economy, and in turn to Nigerians in their millions.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to opine that it is inadvisable to allow the locust that ate 2020 to in the same vein eat 2021 that everyone is faithfully seeing as the year which the LORD hath made; in which they will rejoice and be glad in it, (Psalms 118.24), and the year the LORD will restore to humanity what the locust, the cankerworm, the caterpillar and the palmerworm had eaten as written in Joel chapter verse 25.
At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, “Should Nigerians allow the locust, the cankerworm and the caterpillar to literarily eat 2021?
The answer to the foregoing question cannot be farfetched as God in the same book of Joel chapter 1 verse 13 and 14 in His words called on those in the Christendom, particularly the priests and ministers to gird themselves and lament, lie all night in sackcloth on account of the fact that the meat offering and the drink offering were withheld from the house of God.
Not only that, they are charged to fast and call a solemn assembly, even as they are expected to gather the elders and, all the inhabitants of the land in the house of the LORD, which in this context means Church, and any unto the LORD. To my view, it is salient to urge contemporary men of God to eschew preaching politics from the pulpits and focus on what God expects from them so that “Affliction shall not rise up the second time” as God assured in the book of Nahum chapter 1 verse 9.
For COVID-19 not to eat year 2021 in the similitude of a locust like it did in 2020, men of God should as much as possible try to remind their congregants that God is still in the business of protecting his own and to stay strong until His delivering power is fully exerted over the coronavirus outbreak.
Pastors should at this time that COVID-19 pandemic is literary gathering strength to unleash a second wave of devastation on humanity also serve as social supporters, advisers and people who anxious members can lean on. The reason why they should be faithfully committed to the fight against COVID-19 and be at the trenches or rather forefront is that everyone in the Christendom has being assured in 2 Chronicles chapter 20 verse 9 that “If when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgement, or pestilence, famine, we stand before their house, and in thy presence (for thy name is in their house), and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou will hear and help”.
Although Pastors may not have lost their jobs in this period, but they should at all times put themselves in the shoes of their congregants who have lost jobs already or are afraid of losing their jobs. At times, Christians sit through sermons and teachings about faith and seem as though nothing can move them. However, the Christian’s faith is tested during storms like the COVID-19 pandemic in which case pastors should always explain to their members.
For the ongoing COVID-19 onslaught not to devour 2021 as been feared by many, everyone in the Christendom should faithfully take prayers as a serious issue, and at the same time endeavour to always obey the word of God in 2 Chronicles chapter 20 verse 20 that says, “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”
The reason why everyone need to be involved in this fight against COVID-19 is that it has since 2020 been manifesting in the similitude of locust, and therefore, it will be foolhardy for us to give it a second chance as been reported in the media.
Analysed from scriptural perspective as stated in 2 Chronicle chapter 20 verse 7 that says, “Art thou not our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of the land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the see of Abraham they friend forever? It is expedient to say that inasmuch as we continuously seek medical help that we should also hold on to our faith.
In my sincere opinion, we need to cry unto God and pray that He drives out COVID-19 before all Nigerians. The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as COVID-19 is literarily forcing itself to become an inhabitant in our Land (Nigeria), not mindful of the fact that it is a stranger.
At this juncture, it is expedient to say that limiting close face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in year 2021 that we all by the special grace of God just entered few days ago.
In as much as people don’t need to be told what social distancing is in this context, it is expedient to reiterate that it is also called “physical distancing,” which means keeping a safe space between oneself and other people who are not from one’s household.
It is imperative to say at this juncture that to practice social or physical distancing, people are expected to stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from their household; in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Pragmatically put, social distancing should be practiced in combination with other everyday preventive actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks, avoiding touching our faces with unwashed hands, and frequently washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout 2021. It should be a daily habit that worth being obsessed with. To this end, it is germane to conclude this piece by saying that all hands should be on deck to prevent 2021 from being eaten by the locust called COVID -19.