Our Rally Cry Against The Virus: Nuts!!!!

Today we are besieged by a pandemic which appears to be unstoppable. The relentless stream of bad news makes it seem like we are surrounded on all sides by an invincible and unseen enemy which is attempting to steal the very fiber of our lives. It has offered us terms of surrender which require us to give up our love for each other and focus selfishly on our own security at the expense of our neighbor’s. It is demanding that we abandon faith in our God and give in to worldly fears of losing our loved ones, our livelihoods, and our way of life.

Throughout the Bible and in history we see numerous examples of how God’s people have been led by the spirit of God to be brave and courageous in the face of overwhelming odds. 

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is told in 2 Kings 6: 8-23. It recounts how the King of Aram sent an army to the city of Dothan to capture the prophet Elisha who at the time was the most powerful prophet in Israel. It tells how Elisha’s servant awoke one morning to see a mighty army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. “Oh no my Lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them”. Of course the servant thought that Elisha was out of his mind for all he could see was himself and Elisha left alone to fight the mighty army facing them. Elisha then prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see”. Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha”. Of course, Elisha with the help of God’s unseen army goes on to defeat the Aramites and bring victory to the Israelites. 

“Don’t be afraid the prophet answered. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them”

2 Kings 6: 16

The other story of bravery in the face of overwhelming odds took place during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II during the siege of Bastogne. The American 101st Airborne Division commanded by Brigadier Anthony McAuliffe occupied the city of Bastogne which was surrounded by the German army. The Americans were out of ammo, food, and outmanned ten to one by the German Panzer army surrounding them. The German commander sent a message to General McAuliffe with terms of surrender. In response, the American commander sent the following message back to the German General: NUTS!!!! Several days later, the siege of Bastogne was broken by elements of the 4th Armored Division commanded by General George S. Patton.

“The American commander sent the following message back to the German General: NUTS!”

My fellow Americans, today I invite you to stop the hand wringing and fear mongering long enough to join me in responding to these evil terms of surrender offered by this enemy with the following response: NUTS!!!!!!!!! We know that General Patton is on his way in the form of the scientists working around the clock on a vaccine along with the army of brave doctors and medical professionals serving us today. Let us also open our eyes like the servant of Elisha and see that our God has surrounded us with His army of chariots of fire and legions of angels who will not let this enemy pass into our stronghold. 

More importantly, let us remember that we are first children of God who have a loving father who as we speak is working for our good in the midst of the bad. Let us remember our American heritage of faith, courage, honor, and love for our neighbor that so many brave Americans have died defending. Let us not forget that we are the nation that defeated Hitler and Tojo. We are the nation that manned the wall of freedom during the Cold War and buried the communists without firing a shot. We are the nation that put a man on the moon. 

So turn off the TV, turn off the alerts on your phones and focus on what needs to be done. Don’t panic in the face of evil but instead persevere and just say “Nuts” and refuse to allow the enemy any ground until help arrives. We can do this!!!!!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””

Joshua 1:9

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31