Did God Create Viruses?

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Did God Create Viruses?

Genesis 1:27-31, Matthew 6:19-21, Isaiah 55:2

Andy Nagahara

A.  A simple question

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” 
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground–everything that has the breath of life in it–I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning–the sixth day. （Genesis 1:27-31)

1. Why does God allow diseases (or disasters, accidents, or crime)?

2. What is God’s plan?

B. What we know

1. We are not God

2. God has entrusted the world to our care and authority

C. Let’s focus on living rather than worrying about death (Matthew 6:19-21, Isaiah 55:2)

1. For our souls, this world is not everything

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. （Matthew 6:19-21)

2. By God’s grace, we are able to fight against sin without fear of failure

 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. （Isaiah 55:1, 2)

Summary

When God created the world, he created human beings last and commanded them to rule over creation. In this world, we will always face problems resulting from our own sinful nature as well as from things beyond our control. And yet, God never gives up on us and will always give us strength to move forward.

For Discussion

  1. Why do disasters happen?
  2. Why can we always have hope?