“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12).
Responding to the pandemic
Over recent months, Prophecy Today has published a number of articles relating to the Covid pandemic. We have looked at topics such as Covid as God’s judgement, the negative repercussions of ongoing lockdowns, Covid and the media, the great reset & new world order, and, of course, the vaccines.
In regard to the different vaccines available, our team is not de facto against them. Indeed, a good number of us are vaccinated, and have been for some time. Others have concerns about their safety and effectiveness, among other things, and have turned down the offer to get jabbed.
Unremitting censorship
What many of us are concerned with, however, is the way that those who dare to raise questions are regularly being tarred with insults, and healthy debate is being shut down.
It was interesting to see last week how a tweet by rapper Nicki Minaj was treated as “clearly ridiculous” and “untrue” by Chris Whitty at a press conference. (She had claimed that an acquaintance had experienced a strange swelling after receiving the vaccine.) Her story may not be based on fact – but it is a reality that some people have experienced strange reactions to getting the jab. It is interesting that after months of many women claiming that their periods had been affected by their vaccination, the health authorities are only now looking into it.
Right from the very start, debate relating to numerous aspects of the Covid pandemic have been well and truly stifled.
Such matters are not necessarily something to be overly concerned about. Sometimes the immune system can cause strange and unexpected reactions to medicines of various types. Just look at the list of side effects included in the packet of any common drug, and you will see a huge variety of potential reactions. I personally (Kathryn) have had to stop using certain medicines in the past due to unexpected side effects.
But right from the very start, debate relating to numerous aspects of the Covid pandemic have been well and truly stifled. Nowhere is this more true than in regard to the vaccines, where almost nothing in the way of reasoned debate as to their pros and cons has been forthcoming from government sources, the NHS, or especially from mainstream media. Few people would have any idea that many hundreds of medical professionals from all areas of specialist study, all over the world, have long been seeking to raise their voices, and share their deep-rooted concerns about certain aspects of the vaccines. But they have been almost universally censored – not allowed to share their opinions anywhere. Even Google and Youtube searches will often fail to uncover their little-known websites and videos.
Bringing to the light
The more that the issues of vaccines – both their benefits and potential side effects/dangers – are discussed openly (rather than just in social media and small, selective publications) by academics, health officials and authorities, helping the public to understand clearly both the risks and the benefits, and investigating concerns as they arise, then the more we can avoid this divisive situation.
As Christians, we need to recognise that the enemy is able to operate best when things are, or appear to be, hidden (the word occult means hidden). As Jesus said, “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open” (Mark 4:22).
The enemy causing division
Ultimately, what is happening is a confusion caused by the enemy. The more that potential problems are ignored by the authorities, the more it creates a climate, fuelled by social media, of a conspiracy, a deliberate attempt to mislead, or a blinkered approach to the pandemic. The more that so-called ‘lockdown sceptics’ or ‘anti-vaxXers’ have been side-lined, the less opportunity there has been to weigh up the pros and cons of various approaches. This has allowed the enemy to operate.
The overall effect is to create a huge division in our society. The enemy knows full well that, in the words of Jesus, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand” (Matt 12:25). He is capitalising on the lack of open debate, dividing even families on this issue.
In short, the enemy is using this pandemic to create confusion, fear, and division. We need to be constantly aware of his schemes.
Then comes the massive issue of vaccine passports, which are already being implemented in various countries across the world, and which are leading to further intense division; between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated; between the haves and the have-nots; creating what many believe to be effectively a two-tier society. And much of what is happening in this respect is allowing for greater and greater control by governments, which, as history teaches us, are highly unlikely to give up their new powers once acquired.
In short, the enemy is using this pandemic to create confusion, fear, and division. We need to be constantly aware of his schemes.
Making a personal decision
Vaccines carry a degree of risk. It is generally accepted that in the majority of cases, these are likely to be outweighed considerably by the benefits. (The government, however, did make a clear decision when the risks of blood clotting with the AZ vaccine became apparent, to limit it to the over-40s, showing that they are considering such things.)
Before making any decision on any matter, it is important that we spend time in prayer, seeking God’s direction. God has also given us cognitive abilities, so it is good that we weigh up any outside information and advice we are given. It is only as we follow this course that we will have a sense as to the best course of action – at least for ourselves.
For myself (Kathryn), I prayed and read the available information, and felt it was right to be vaccinated. I received the AZ vaccine, had no side-effects, and I remain very well. A few colleagues felt it was not right for them to be jabbed, either because they had serious concerns about the dangers of the vaccines, or for other ethical reasons.
Showing consideration
The important point here is – we all need to respect the decisions that others have come to.
Disunity and fear are much bigger threats to both the Church and our country than either Covid or the vaccinations. Vaccination is not a salvation issue (and it evidently cannot be the ‘Mark of the Beast’, which will be clear when it comes, at least to those who read their Bibles; although ‘vaccine passports’ create an obvious pattern that could lead to it).
As Christians, unity will not be achieved by everyone necessarily reaching the same decision; rather, by expressing love and respect for one other.
As Christians, unity will not be achieved by everyone necessarily reaching the same decision; rather, by expressing love and respect for one other – which, among other things, entails allowing others the right to express their thoughts and concerns in an open manner, without fear of heated response or personal attack. If a brother or sister expresses a view that contradicts our own, let us not see it as an affront; rather let us welcome it, consider it thoughtfully, and seek to engage in amicable discussion, for the sake of our own edification, as well as theirs. Mutual understanding benefits both parties.
God holds our future in his mighty hands. Where either Covid or the vaccination (or indeed anything else) has led to fear in our lives, then we need to bring those anxieties to God, and ask for his peace, placing our full trust in him. Jesus told us, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.” That includes Covid, vaccination risks, and all other dangers in life. He has not promised to keep us apart from all risks, but he has promised to be with us in all we face in life, and he holds our eternal future in his safe hands.
May the peace of God keep us, and guide us in all the choices we make.
