Crisis has a way of clarifying truth from deceit.

Crisis also tempts believers to speak in haste, and I suspect that’s what has characterized us Ugandan Christians lately, causing the head of state to recently warn religious leaders about the “criminality” of their proclamations towards public health, namely, biblically unfiltered promises of healing amidst epidemics.

When Uganda had patient zero, you could hear us (in a well-meaning sense I guess) pronounce how Uganda wouldn’t be “touched by COVID19 in Jesus name” and now that you have patient 52, you can still hear preachers tell COVID patients to “tune in for COVID19 healing”, another self-styled city “prophet” has gone on to even say he saw it all coming but couldn’t warn us. 

Before these begin to live stream behind bars, It seems pertinent to, therefore, address questions of supernatural healing and medicine in the Christian life (plus everything in between) here, albeit summarily.

1. When it comes to Public health, the Government has more biblical obligation, competence and economic muscle than the church to handle public safety, so let’s listen, stay home, wash hands, and love our neighbor.
2. Modern medicine and Science, with all their limitations, are God-given gifts to humanity, employ them, and pray. (1Tim 5:23, 2 Kings 20:7)
3. Yes God still supernaturally heals, on his terms, not ours. (Rom 8:18, 2 Cor 12:7, Job 2:6-7, 42:11, Ps 115:3) that’s why we still pray he does (James 5:14)
4. Physical relief to the marginalized poor and sick should be Christian priority in showcasing the compassion of our Lord, and the gospel, this philanthropy/compassion, however, shouldn’t downplay the dangers of our deepest need, the healing of sin sickness (Matt 9:5, 1 Tim 1:15) the spiritual sickness unto death, for which the Messiah was prophesied (Isaiah 53:5)
5. On this basis, Christians go about doing good works, understanding that the Kingdom of God is already inaugurated, but not fully yet.  (Rom 8:18)
6. Chemotherapy and COVID19 tears, may not go as soon as we confess Jesus, but will one day be wiped,  (Rev 21:4) — completely!
7. For now, we pray for the sick, weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15) asking God to heal our land, to curb the spread, to provide wisdom to health experts, government, and comfort to the mourning,

Because in all, we are confident that actually, for those who are called according to his purposes, all things, (good or bad) are working for good. (Romans 8:28)