Worse than Ebola

Written by Karissa Freeman

Ebola fears have gripped the United States. It seems that every time I turn on my T.V. or look at Facebook there is a breaking news story that yet another person is being quarantined with possible Ebola-like symptoms. Most recently the death rate has increased from 50 to 70%. 

I’m here to tell you that Ebola is not what we should fear. I know of a disease that has a 100% death rate and all of us already have it. 

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." Romans 5:12 

Sin. A genetic disease of the heart. A pandemic that already exists in this world. Much like the local people in Africa refuse treatment for Ebola, so many of us in this world refuse the cure for sin. The Bible tells us: 

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 

Nobody is safe from this disease. We all make mistakes, we lie, we take advantage of others, we envy, we lust with our eyes. We all need treatment. Those of us who accept God’s cure will be saved; and those who refuse to accept it will face death. 

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2 

Jesus is our only hope as sick people. He is the only one who can take away the disease leading to death and replace it with life. When Jesus was on this earth he gave miraculous healing to many people. Just because He is not on this earth doesn’t mean His healing powers are gone. He offers it now in exchange for your faith in Him and belief in what He did on the cross. 

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. …But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6, 8 

Sin is like Ebola. If you knew that you had the disease and somebody came to you and said, “We have found a cure for Ebola. Would you like to take it?” You would more than likely respond, “Yes!” What would you have to lose? You are already facing a 70% chance of death; what is the worst thing that could happen? 

Likewise, what is the worst that could happen to you by placing your hope and faith in Jesus Christ? According to the Bible you are already facing a certain death. What is the worst that could happen to you by saving yourself from that death? 

If you have not taken the step towards accepting Jesus as your Lord & Savior, I pray that you do so now. For not one of us knows when we will leave this world and await the judgment call before God. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 

Are you living life as one who has been cured of a deadly disease? We, as Christians, should feel a strong desire to save those who have not yet accepted God’s treatment plan. We live in a sick world with sick people who need to hear the good news of what Jesus has done. 

***** 

Dear God, thank You for sending us a cure and saving us from the deadly disease of sin. I thank You for Your Son, Jesus, and what He did for me at the cross. I pray that You will open my eyes and ears to ways I can share this salvation with others. Amen.