Becaue today's question is pretty weighty, Here's my posture of what I'm thinking.  My heart breaks for what is happening around the world, in our country, in our cities, and in our families.  It's such a painful and difficult time for a lot of people in the world right now from economic concerns, health fears, and loss of loved ones.  Before Covid-19, I would be able to teach on theological topics and questions in classrooms... but since we aren't meeting up in person, I want to teach and to share what's on my heart to bless y'all during this time via this blog.

Is God punishing us with Covid-19 because of our sins?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself this question in the past few days or weeks: Is God punishing us with Covid-19 because of our sins? I know I have. Is this because we didn’t spend time with him? Is this because we didn’t read the Bible or pray enough? Is this because we thought bad things or said hurtful things?  Is this because we have chased after other things besides God and His Kingdom?

In the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, there are numerous occasions when God uses plagues or diseases on His people and on His enemies.

1. In Egypt, after the plague of gnats, plague of flies, disease on the livestock, there was the plague of “boils breaking out in sores on man.” (Exodus 9:9)
2. “Now those who died in the plague were 14,700…” (Numbers 16:49a)
3. “Nevertheless, those who died by the plague were 24,000.” (Numbers 25:9)
4. “So the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and 70,000 of the people from Dan to Beersheba died.” (2 Samuel 24:15)
5. “So the Lord sent a plague on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell dead.” (1 Chronicles 24:15)

“God’s angry punishment was spent completely on Jesus – once for all.”

While God sent these plagues and diseases in the Old Testament as punishment, the New Testament tells us all of God’s wrath and punishment was laid upon Jesus on the cross. All means all.  Jesus took all the punishment of sin on Himself.  He who knew no sin became sin for us.  John Bloom, a staff writer for DesiringGod.org, writes, “God’s angry punishment was spent completely on Jesus – once for all.” “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1). For those that are in Christ, we are not being punished for our sins because on the cross, Jesus took all of God’s wrath and punishment and laid it upon Himself. That is the good news of Jesus Christ for all His people, but there is something else to consider. Isn’t there? God is Heavenly Father. He loves His children, and He disciplines those He loves. Hebrews 12 gives us great insights into God’s discipline for His children.

“My son, do not make lightly of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you..."

“My son, do not make lightly of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)  “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined – and everyone – undergoes discipline – then you are not letitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.” (Hebrews 12:7-8).  Hebrews tells us why God disciplines us. “…But God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak kness.” (Hebrews 12:10b-12)

We don’t know the mind of God. His thoughts are not our thoughts for His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8).

It’s true. God disciplines those He loves for their good. Now, I’m not saying God is using Covid-19 to discipline us. Of course not. No one should say that. We aren't God. We don’t know the mind of God. His thoughts are not our thoughts for His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). But God has obviously allowed Covid-19 to happen. So, here are some questions to consider:

1. How is my relationship with God right now?
2. Do I care about God and His Kingdom?
3. Is God the absolute top ultimate in my life?
4. Am I following Christ wholeheartedly?
5. Do I have any idols in my life?

Praise Jesus for the cross where He took all of God’s wrath and anger.

And to conclude: this should be our praise, posture, and prayer that God loves His children. There is no punishment for those that are in Christ. Praise Jesus for the cross where He took all of God’s wrath and anger. Pray for yourself to ask the right questions and to answer them honestly for God loves His children.