1. These are very interesting times and we live in Bible days. There’s a lot happening and I’d like to offer some perspective on unfolding events. #Illuminare

2. Let’s consider three questions: a). Where exactly are we in the calendar of events? b). Is there any historical reference material or case study in the Bible similar to what we’re experiencing? c). What posture of faith are we expected to take at this time? #Illuminare

3. If we can answer those questions we will have an understanding of our present reality. Understanding makes symptoms less alarming. #Illuminare

4. Let’s begin with the first question – where are we in the calendar of unfolding events? We’re in Phase 2 of COVID-19 era. COVID-19 has an era. We’ve left Phase 1. #Illuminare

5. In Phase 1 we got introduced to the virus, which was why it was called a novel virus. It was a new strain of virus that had not been identified in humans. There are many corona viruses. There’s a family. It’s just that we’ve never met this member of the family. #Illuminare

6. The primary psychological pressure in Phase 1 was fear of death. It’s why we barricaded ourselves in our homes. We were running from an invisible enemy and so Corona had all the advantages. It can see us but we can’t see it. #Illuminare

7. This virus is rude, disrespectful and irreverent. It does not respect money, position, status, power or privilege. Rich people, powerful people, famous people, princes and princesses, heads of state… They were all afflicted by it. Some of those people died. #Illuminare

8. Governments became perplexed. How do you deal with an enemy you can’t placate. Which probably explains why the Italian military flew a statue of the virgin Mary on a helicopter over Italian cities, hoping she would use her influence to persuade the virus. #Illuminare

9. The scriptures of course attribute no such powers to Mary but these are desperate times. The weapons of warfare were no longer carnal. #Illuminare

10. There was that picture of the Pope, bent with age, sorrow and the weight of assumed responsibility as he prayed around St. Peter’s Square. He was supplicating the unseen God and the unseen virus. #Illuminare

11. We’re now in Phase 2, which shows we’re in a marathon. According to Bill Gates, optimistically a vaccine won’t be available until early next year – by some estimates middle of next year. That creates tremendous social and psychological pressure. #Illuminare

12. And then there are economic pressures. There are pressures on businesses in particular. Many people have lost their jobs and businesses are shuttering down. #Illuminare

13. And so we’re now dealing with the ripple effect of the virus. And the chief ripple effect is economic. Cashflow has slowed down to a trickle. Money is failing. People are hoarding what they have. #Illuminare

14. This is where we are in the calendar of events. #Illuminare

15. Now Question 2: Is there a biblical case study for this pandemic? #Illuminare

16. The answer is yes. In fact there are two case studies. There was the pandemic at the time of David when God took exception to the census exercise David initiated. That was around 1000 BC but it’s not really on all fours with our present circumstances. #Illuminare

17. The nearest case study is the Egyptian pandemic 13th century BC. That pandemic was ferocious. Unlike this it was multidisciplinary. There were ten plagues not one. The attack was concentrated. The plagues were unleashed over a short period of time. #Illuminare

18. I want to deconstruct the cache of events for you so you see the pattern in those plagues. In a manner of speech there was a method to God’s madness. #Illuminare

19. The primary target of those plagues was the Egyptian economy. In classical economics there are four factors of production – land, labour, capital and enterprise. God targeted all four. He understands economics. #Illuminare

20. Why did God target the economy? Because he built it! Under the direction of Joseph Egypt had become a regional superpower. It was God who gave Joseph the wisdom to build the economy. That much was clear. Now he was going to dismantle the economy. #Illuminare

21. The first plague turned water into blood. That was an attack on land as a means of production. Land can’t produce without good water. #Illuminare

22. The second plague was the plague of frogs. That was aimed at labour, to irritate the workers, give them sleepless nights. How do you sleep with all that noise made by frogs? #Illuminare

23. The third plague was the plague of lice. Everyone was scratching their head looking for a clue. Again, that was designed to irritate labour. #Illuminare

24. The fourth was the plague of flies. Again, similar objective. It was directed at labour. Irritation of labour. The fifth plague was death of livestock. That was an attack on capital. Cattle was capital in those days. #Illuminare

25. The sixth plague was the break out of boils. That was another attack on labour. Everyone was sore and complaining. Some of those boils were in very uncomfortable places. #Illuminare

26. The seventh plague was hail and thunder. That was an attack on capital as well. The hail killed the livestock. #Illuminare

27. The eighth plague was the release of locusts. It was an attack on produce capital. The ninth plague was darkness. It was an attack on enterprise. All work grounded. No one could go to work. #Illuminare

28. The tenth was death of the first born. It was an attack on enterprise. Firstborns represent vision, generational succession, hope in the future. Firstborns are typically groomed to lead enterprises. In other words they represent something called headship. #Illuminare

29. And so you can see the economic consequences of the plagues in Egypt. Plagues always have economic consequences. #Illuminare

30. Here’s one critical piece of information. Pharaoh’s back wasn’t broken until the firstborns were killed. The firstborns were heads. Heads determine the direction of the future. When headship was decapitated across the land Pharaoh succumbed. #Illuminare

31. If you don’t lose your head you won’t succumb. Therefore, don’t lose your head. Don’t lose vision, don’t lose hope. No matter what happens hold on to the word God has given you. Hold on to your dreams, hold on to hope. This too shall pass. #Illuminare

32. 3rd question: What posture should we take in the light of present circumstances? #Illuminare

33. There are two principles at play. The first is the law of faithfulness, the second is the principle of gratefulness. Be faithful, be grateful. #Illuminare

34. Don’t despise little things – little income, little jobs… If you’re faithful in little God will give you much. Mop up those little incomes. They add up. Respond to little opportunities. You’re demonstrating faithfulness to God. Luke 16:10. #Illuminare

35. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t be pulled in every direction or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with OVERFLOWING GRATITUDE… (TPT) #Illuminare

36. Don’t just ask for things, be grateful. But you can’t be grateful without humility. Be humble before God and acknowledge his goodness to you. You’re alive! #Illuminare

37. Here’s the summary: First, adjust your mentality for the long haul. This is a marathon. #Illuminare

38. Second, don’t lose your head. Maintain your vision, be open to ideas and opportunities. Keep hope alive. Hold on to God’s word. #Illuminare

39. And third, be faithful, be grateful. #Illuminare

40. May God bless and keep you. And may God continue to save us from the things we cannot see. #Illuminare

41. I want you to give your life to Christ. Pray this prayer: “Father I acknowledge that I am a sinner, that Jesus died for me, that you raised him from the dead. Father please forgive me. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and my Saviour. Amen.” #Illuminare

42. To read 3 Questions go to http://www.myilluminare.com/3-questions/ . #Illuminare

43. *To understand the Christian walk from a contemporary perspective, read my book, Conversations of a 21st Century Saint. Order at https://store.lekealder.com . #Illuminare

44. © Leke Alder | [email protected]. #Illuminare