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by the sobering thought that the God of divine love could
cause such global upheaval. Others are asking whether
the more recent epidemics and pandemics are New
Testament signs of the world as we know it.
In the Old Testament, God didn’t just allow killer
plagues and diseases, He sent them.
“For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine
heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people;
that thou mayest know that there is none like me in
all the earth.
For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite
thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be
cut off from the earth.
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up,
for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may
be declared throughout all the earth.”
Exodus 9:14-16 (KJV)
“God visited deadly plagues upon Egypt to force
Pharaoh’s hands in releasing the Israelites from bondage
and captivity. He did this while protecting His own
people from being harmed by the plagues.”
“The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where
you are, so that when I see the blood I will pass over
you, and this plague will not fall on you to destroy you
when I attack the land of Egypt.”
Exodus 12:13 (NET)
In the Old Testament, God clearly demonstrated His
sovereign control over sickness and diseases. However,
His promise of protection and blessings were conditional.
“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice
of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in
his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and