The world is at rest today: it is Easter, and family and friends are meeting to celebrate. Yet, all is not well. For virtually 4 months now after the introduction and roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines, there’s still no end in sight for this pandemic. As I write now, France and many parts of the world are under a lockdown or some form of restriction. Around 3000 people die daily in Brazil 🇧🇷 and the USA, whilst about 6000 die daily in Iraq and Iran 🇮🇷 from the same disease.
The pandemic is rising globally, and death follows in its wake. Coronavirus variants originating in Brazil, the UK🇬🇧, and South Africa🇿🇦 are now spearheading a 3rd wave globally, threatening the efficacy of current vaccines. Will another variant emerge to make current vaccines ineffective? Unfortunately, the infection rate in India, where the vaccines are being made, is getting out of control.
Although the vaccines have been touted as safe and effective, there is little to show that the pandemic is slowing even after their roll-out. This is concerning indeed. The AstraZeneca vaccine, which is the cheapest among current vaccines, has been dogged by issues of blood clotting, making many countries restrict its use. Millions of doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been destroyed by a mistake at a large manufacturing plant in the US, setting back their roll-out.
Current studies have shown the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines to be effective against the South African variant and equally effective in teens. It remains to be seen if it can prevent further infections in Israel, where more than half the population has been inoculated.
The year 2020 was lost, and it seems 2021 may also follow suit. The WHO report on the origin of the virus was released this week, with an unsurprising international backlash over the findings…
As the world remembers the death of Christ, I am reminded of His words amidst the uncertainties of this devastating pandemic: “For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8).
May the LORD remember us as thousands die daily from this devastating disease globally. I pray for a happy Sabbath and a peaceful violence-free weekend for all the saints of God. A happy blessed Sabbath to all.
