324 – Vaccinated by Christ

#faithbites #faithjourney Vaccinated

Before we get started, I’m going to ask for a little leeway here. I’m going to use an imperfect metaphor, but I think it works. So bear with me 🙂 And now, onto faithbites.
Yesterday my youngest got her flu vaccine. Today, I had my oldest vaccinated against the flu. They were both very brave. My youngest cried a bit then was fine while my oldest was a bit fearful, but then was doing great. Yes, she was milking it for the sore shoulder, but she’ll be fine.

I hear all kinds of reasons people don’t get the flu shot. Oh, I got sick after getting it or I got it by still got the flu. There are folks who believe that all vaccines are evil and cause autism and other deformities. Some really wacky people believe it’s all a government conspiracy.

For me, I believe based on science they work. They will not protect you against everything. The flu shot is only good against some strains. Some will still get sick but the duration and intensity will be much less. So we chose to have our children vaccinated against the flu.

You may be wondering what this has to do with faith. To me, I think of Jesus as a vaccine. He protects us from some of the evils out there. He strengthens us and even though there are still evils and bad things that happen to us, the duration and intensity are much less. All things are possible with God.  (Matthew 19:26)

Scripture

• But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
• My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. – 2 Samuel 22:3-4
• Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

Reflection

From Job to Daniel to Jesus to the Disciples, believe in Christ is not easy. We are told that we will have our reward in heaven even though our life is hard here. (Matthew 6:19-21). Our treasures of earth are short-lived while our rewards in heaven are eternal. In Luke Chapter 9:57-62 talks about the cost of following Jesus. This life is hard, but we will survive. We will be able to join the kingdom of heaven as we were baptized in the water and spirit (John 3:5).

Nowhere does it say we will have an easy life. We will struggle, we will suffer, but we will overcome all of these things. We have been vaccinated against the evils. No matter how strong the evil is, we will overcome it through him.

I know that my kids will get sick. We know that no matter how hard I protect them, they will have difficulty and struggle. But their vaccine will overcome all strains of evil and their duration and intensity will be diminished because of faith in Jesus.

Charge

Are you vaccinated against evil? Do you practice your faith daily? Do you share your faith with others? Have you realized that your life will be difficult but you will be rewarded in the kingdom of heaven.

Lord, be my vaccine against evil. Protect me and help me overcome all obstacles. Help me to understand that following you will be difficult filled with evil and temptations. Let all know that you will defeat any strain of evil that comes our way.