Journal – March 14, 2020: “The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has caused a panic. People stocked up on toilet paper, bottled water, paper towels, Kleenex, baby wipes, medications, disinfectants, cleaning supplies, and rubbing alcohol. Many store aisles are empty.

They canceled all sporting events. Colleges switched to online classes. Illinois closed all schools and restaurants. Churches are airing messages online. Disney shut down. Broadway shut down. President Trump declared Sunday a ‘Day of Prayer.’ …”

* * * * * * *

It’s time to build an altar. We all will sacrifice something: our favorite sport, freedom to travel, church services, et al.

II Chronicles 3:1, “Solomon began to build the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah…” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

“…the temple was located where Abraham bound Isaac (Genesis 22), the same place where the plague was stopped and David built an altar to God. …the site reminds the reader that the area has physical links to the ancestors and is chosen by God as a place of divine revelation.”

Common English Bible Notes on II Chronicles 3:1

Moses took Isaac to Mount Moriah to sacrifice him but God provided a ram. It was also the place where David offered sacrifices when the plague ended. A new plague is sweeping through the earth. Only God can stop it.

God has a greater plan. The place where Abraham and David went to sacrifice became the site of Solomon’s Temple.

• Yes, we will sacrifice – but God has a plan.
• Yes, we are facing a plague – but God has a plan.

His plan will bring beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

Isaiah 61:3, “To provide for Zion’s mourners, to give them a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, a mantle of praise in place of discouragement. They will be called the Oaks of Righteousness, planted by the Lord to glorify Himself.”  Common English Bible

March 14, 2020: II Chronicles 3; I Kings 7; II Chronicles 4.

©2009-2020 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.