Pandemics are not new.  They have taken the lives of many in recent history, as well as in Bible times.  One such pandemic or plague broke out when the Israelites were in the wilderness.

 

There is speculation today, as to how and why COVID-19 began, but there was no doubt why this plague began in the days of Moses.  The people were grumbling about Moses and Aaron, and gathering to oppose them.  It was more serious than that though, as their rebellion was against God.

 

As this plague spread and people died, Moses told Aaron to take a censer and fill it with burning incense from the altar.  He wasted no time!  Aaron ran among the people, waving the incense, pleading for mercy and making atonement for them.

 

Wait a moment!  Weren’t these the same people who had been complaining against them?  Yet Moses and Aaron were the ones who cried out to God for mercy.  Perhaps we have been criticised for our actions as believers, or spoken against, but this is the time when God wants to use us.

 

The Word of God describes prayer being like incense.  We are to bring our prayers before the Throne of God on behalf of our nation, even as Aaron did in his day.  It is not always easy to pray, even though we have time during lockdown.  Prayer is a battle, a sacrifice, requiring concentration and determination, but it is worthwhile.  When Aaron ran between the living and the dead, the plague stopped.

 

Let our prayer be:  “O Lord, I call to you, come quickly to me (us).  Hear my voice, when I call to you.  May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”  (Psalm 141:1-2)