PRESERVED FROM PLAGUES

Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed – Psalm 106:30

“…Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling” (Psa.91:10b). A plague is a contagious and infectious bacterial disease or epidemic that spreads fast and kills multitudes, if not quickly curtailed. Biological plagues are often characterized by fever and delirium. The world has experienced and is still battling with a fair share of such plagues as HIV-AIDS, the ebola virus, cholera, and other forms of devastating diseases. The world of science is yet to find the cure or proffer solutions to the diverse plagues that have invaded humanity. Plagues are not palatable. Rebellious Pharaoh procured ten consecutive plagues from God and none of them was palatable.

In the farmer’s world, a plague is an invasion by an unusually large number of insects or animals, such as locusts, causing massive damage. In a general sense, a plague is that which causes excessive trouble or irritation. The plague will often enter houses without invitation, explanation or permission. But God assures us who dwell in Him that no plague can gain access into our domains. So terribly may the plague rage among men, that the cost of staying alive becomes extremely expensive, yet shall you survive the sickle of death. Whatever may be the name or nature of the plague, there is preservation in God for those who dwell in His secret place! The plague shall neither come near you nor enter your dwelling.

But beyond the biological plagues, there is the vital spiritual plague of SIN and its accompanying allies and consequences – the plagues of corruption, immorality, perversion, deception, heresy, and poverty. The power of the plague is such that none can promise themselves freedom from it in any place within an infected territory, but by the Mercy of God. Whole cities and nations may be infected, yet he who communes with God is not affected by the contagion. Professors of religion all around are plague-smitten, but in the same place and time, in fellowship with God, the believer renews his youth, and his soul knows no sickness. The Lord still puts a difference between Israel and Egypt in the day of plagues.

Why plagues? Rebellion attracts plagues. Sin is the original plague. But, Glory to God - the plague that rebellion attracts, righteousness will reverse!  According to Psalm 106:30, Phinehas stopped the power of the plague through his passion for righteousness! Beloved, Christ is our Righteousness (1Cor.1:30). He has also empowered us to walk in righteousness (2Cor.6:7). So, we are guaranteed protection and preservation from every plague. When in time of a plague, people are running helter-skelter looking out for hiding places; because you have made the Lord your habitation, "no evil shall befall you, neither shall the plague come near your dwelling." Stand strong in faith, assured in His promises!