The coronavirus global pandemic is
not a new virus. It has been around for a long while causing fluid and other
diseases. It is most likely to remain in public circulation spreading from
human to human. Through the virus' ability to transform its activities from
causing fever, dry cough, tiredness, headache, etc. The global community must
anticipate a fact that the coronavirus may in future appear in a more
destructive position than the ongoing COVID-19. Hence COVID-19 must be quickly
dealt with to reduce its damage on the economy, the society and the Church.
The Church is a major stakeholder in
every community in the areas of human restoration, reformation, rehabilitation,
and providing hope and comfort to souls that are in despair, sick, fearful, or
restless. The goal of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), led by
Prophet TB Joshua, is to freely serve the world in times like this and such
capacity as God will direct. Covid-19 is what we can see today, and because the
world has followed its instinct, and has largely neglected the more important
spiritual aspect, there is confusion, fear, rejection in the society.
Whilst some governments have given
guidance on how Assemblies ought to conduct self, others simply hang to the
total lockdown approach. Of course, it is still vital that the necessary
hygiene and social distancing precautions are kept in place to protect the
hospital workers and save lives. Similarly, no pastor would want to be
quarantined because members who visited their church later tested positive to
COVID-19. All this is still at the human level. In every society, the Church
members remain the most discipline set of people, more organized than market
traders.
The action of Mary Magdalene in John
20:10-16 is very commendable if we must desire to see what others fail to see.
She had the singular honour to have anointed the body of Jesus before the
crucifixion. Later on, the other ladies brought their oil to the tomb but it
wasn't useful because the tomb was empty when they arrived. Now see her unique devotion and character
again. They all ran to the tomb but while the disciples went away unto their
own home after a while Mary stood around weeping. As she wept, she stooped
down, and looked into the sepulchre, she saw two angels in white sitting, the
one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Eventually, Jesus Himself appeared to her and she became the first to see Jesus
and hence by inference the first that Jesus would send as a missionary to
others immediately after the resurrection.
The best of the world politicians are
like Pilate, or at the very best the disciples, always in hurry, not looking
deep enough, fearful of what the public would say. On the other hand, we may
liken Prophet TB Joshua and the Church to Mary who painstakingly has told us
before the advent of COVID-19, and also still telling us some future events,
hardship and humility that shall follow. The entire Church of Christ should be
in one accord, listen to him as many are doing across the world, confederating
with Emmanuel.tv partners in charity giving globally. His prayer and
encouraging words are going to be more effective in our common attempt to get
people back on their two feet and prepare them for the next battle. More
importantly by his teaching, using his various ministries, he is raising the
Church of Christ to the right level, making the global community conscious of
the coming Christ and preparing new prophets and evangelists for the mission.
Covid-19 that has taken the world's attention in the last five months is not
going to be the last battle nor the most difficult. The world would henceforth
need the Church of Christ to lead in the hard battles ahead. Emmanuel!!!
Prof.
R. A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
