On Pandemics and Skepticism

The H1N1 influenza dominated the media and political arena this past summer and fall.

The outbreak was first detected on March 18, 2009, in Mexico City. Before it was over, hundreds of Mexicans succumbed to the disease, and most of the city had to be closed down. It didn't take long for the disease to be spread to other parts of the world, and on June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be pandemic.

During the summer, the virus seemed to be dormant, but with the onset of fall, medical officials declared there would be an outbreak equivalent to the bubonic plague. Governments raced to purchase the vaccine, but not enough could be produced on time. Because of this the serum initially was offered only to people at high risk. Those who were considered "low risk" would be vaccinated when enough of the vaccine became available.

It was interesting observing the response to the news of this new pandemic that was threatening the world. Much of the hype was fuelled by media speculation and then by government officials who were in a “no-win” situation - they were damned if they didn’t deal with it as a crisis and damned if they did. Although statistics of people dying from the common flu influenza were substantially greater than from those dying from the H1N1 influenza the media aroused public fears by focusing on a few scattered reports of individuals dying because of the virus.

When the vaccination program began many believed the reports and hurried to “get the shot”. Others were leery about a vaccine that was produced so rapidly without proper testing. I confess to being sceptical of the whole media hype. Part of it was that I only knew one person who “may have had H1N1”. Yet, I knew 2 persons who had the vaccination and had experienced some pretty serious side effects. Then too, since I was in the “low risk” category I didn’t take it as seriously as others in the “high risk” category. Our children didn’t have our grandkids vaccinated because they didn’t trust that it was safe – not enough testing had been done.

A vaccine was and is available but no one is forced to take it. It’s up to you - your choice.

As I reflected on this I drew a parallel to another “deadly pandemic” that has infected everyone in the world. The Scriptures declare that all of humankind is infected with a disease called “sin”. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) And it’s deadly – “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a). However, there is a vaccine available for everyone and it’s free! “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b).

Many people are sceptics when they hear this good news. They either don’t believe the verdict that they have the death-dealing illness of sin or they don’t believe Jesus Christ is the only One who can save them from their sin and give them life. They may have heard the news but refuse to take it seriously. Or they acknowledge that they have the disease but are confident that they can gain life “in their own way.”

Again the Scripture is clear – there is only One Vaccine available – and it’s for all people, everywhere. You’re not forced to take Him – Jesus. But there is “salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

If you “receive” Jesus – God’s Vaccine for your disease of sin – you will be given new life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The gospel writer John states that “…to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12).

Again the choice is yours – it’s up to you what you do with the “Vaccine” God has provided. It still isn't too late to get God's Inoculation. He is the only One who can truly save you! Your choice has eternal ramifications!