It began with one of history’s earliest recorded instances of biological warfare. In 1347 a Mongol army besieging the Genoese trading post of Caffa in the Crimea (modern day Ukraine) catapulted the bodies of bubonic plague victims over the town’s wall. The terrified defenders fled to Italy, carrying with them the deadly plague bacteria (and the rats and fleas that spread them). Over the next three years the plague spread throughout Europe in the massive epidemic known as the Black Death. Before the epidemic ran its course an estimate 20 million people-approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of Europe’s population then-perished. The coming centuries would see recurring outbreaks of the bubonic plague, which would remain a dangerous, unchecked killer until the development of antibiotics in the 20th century.
Though the Black Death is the most famous epidemic in history, it was not the only one. The influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 killed an estimated 30-50 million people, and several million more died at about the same time in an outbreak of typhus in eastern Europe. Other infectious diseases such a malaria, yellow fever, and more recently AIDS and COVID also claimed uncounted millions of victims.
But there is one plague that is more widespread and deadly than all others combined. It has been called the “plague of plagues.” It affects every person who has ever lived or will ever live. But…ssshhh…don’t say the word too loud because in many churches today, and in society as well the word is not kosher. It is too woke to even mention in some circles. But I’m not afraid to say it: SIN. We can look for all kinds of names to dress it up, but the word is SIN. It’s not a mistake. It’s not a slip up. It’s not a poor choice. It’s not any other word people want to come up to cover the seriousness of that word. We are all guilty of sin. In Romans 7:14-25 the Apostle Paul talks about his struggle with sin. The battle with it is real and ongoing. But he finishes with these words: “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (NLT)
There is only ONE solution to the problem of sin. That solution is not our good works. It is not picking ourselves by our own bootstraps. It is not a resolve “I will make it on my own.” It is not in a promise that “I will stop doing that.” The answer is found in one place and one place only: the cross of Christ. There is no other way…no matter what people say!
I couldn’t agree more, Bill. The only remedy for sin is belief in the cross of Christ Jesus and the grace He freely gave to us. Only Jesus can wash away our sins and make us free. Blessings!
I wish more could know that truth Martha.
Absolutely 100% agree with you Bill, sin is and always has been our downfall. The only solution is Our Lord and Savior. Jesus has done everything for us to make it possible to live in eternity with Him. We as His hands and feet here on earth, still have so many people to reach and tell about the love, grace and mercy of Christ Jesus.
We would all do better to realize that Gail. We forget it way too easily and want to go it on our own.
This reminds me of a comic book scene between Batman (no powers) and Guy Gardner (powers). Guy just kept poking at Batman. Then just like that.. Batman takes him out.
Everyone watching fell down on their laughing faces saying “One Punch, he took him out with one punch!”
It’s amazing how little we know, yet we know Who knows better!
True Ed. We think we know more than we do. Surprise!
The old adage “Call a spade a spade” seems to be fading from today’s lingo. There are so many ways the world is trying to “soften” sin and subtlely accept what God finds unacceptable. And that leaves the sinner without knowing they need forgiveness! What appears to be “love” is in reality condemnation!
I didn’t think of that old adage Pam but you are absolutely correct. We prefer to him haw around things and “soften” the impact. Great point.