The Power to Stop the Plague

Posted on by Jennifer Arimborgo

Cross painting

“And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped” (Num. 16:48, NKJV).

This passage of Scripture has been stirring in my spirit for a few days now. The story it features is an intense one, and relevant to today. In it, we read about tens of thousands of people dying from a plague. Just as there was hope then, there is hope now. We find Holy Spirit’s main point in our verse for today. It’s this: when Aaron stood in his place as priest, the plague was stopped.

How does this apply to what is happening now in the world with the coronavirus? In the new covenant, God has made us into a “royal priesthood.” I understand this to mean that He has given us the intercessory role that the Old Testament priests held. With authority delegated from God, they would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifices. The Father now calls on us, as His royal priesthood, to take our place. We are to apply the blood of the Lamb to our spheres of influence. The blood of Jesus is infinitely more powerful than the temporary sacrifices of the old covenant.

The date of Passover this year is rapidly approaching; it will begin on April 8. Some prophetic voices have proclaimed that we will see the resolution of the coronavirus pandemic when Passover comes. I feel hopeful about that! Regardless of the timeline for the end of this trial, however, I love to reflect on the significance of such a weighty occasion as this feast represents.

How the Father speaks through symbolism! On the very night of the Passover, Jesus was arrested. The moment had come. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world offered His own blood in our place. He fulfilled for us what the feast of Passover had been pointing to all along.

That first Passover night, God instructed His children to put the lambs’ blood on their doorposts. He gave them this promise:

“The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you…” (Ex. 12:13, ESV).

If imperfect lambs’ blood was enough to keep them safe from that plague, how much more mighty is the blood of the perfect Lamb of God for us today?! His blood is enough, dear one! You are safe in Him!

Let’s rise up and take our place. Let’s use our priestly authority. Let’s proclaim that the blood of Jesus is applied to our households, every day. Let’s proclaim it over ourselves, over our families, over everyone we love. Let’s proclaim it over our cities, over our nations, over our world…

By the precious blood of Jesus, this plague will be stopped!

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Have you ever thought of yourself as a priest?

12 thoughts on “The Power to Stop the Plague”

  2. Honestly Jennifer I have struggled with the idea of being a priest. I was brought up in the Roman Catholic tradition and gave the parrish priest my respect because my parents did. As the awful abuses of some of them has come to light, revulsion has risen up in me.
    And yet, when I don my clerical collar, folks who don’t know me will sometimes address me as Father. I still wrestle with this.
    As per usual, Holy Spirit has you and me on the same wave-length as I have just recently added 1 Peter 2:9 to my memorization discipline. In so doing, I have prayed over and researched and have landed on how Daddy God calls us to be a royal priesthood. In this way He lifts us up from our own limited view of what we think it means to be a priest and instead puts His stamp of approval on it. This bring me such peace!
    Blessings and thanks again for all you do!
    Chuck

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    1. I am so grateful to Jesus for the gift of your comments, Chuck. I’m sure you will not be surprised that this one, like so many others, caused a joyful chuckle to rise up. My spirit rejoices! Thank you so much for sharing that. His richest blessings to you as you continue to go deeper with Him in this subject. We praise You Father!

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  3. Very uplifting post, Jennifer. I just explained the meaning behind that “priesthood of believers” phrase in a lay leadership class. We as lay people are as equally part of the body of Christ as clergy. We have bold and confident access! As you said, we should remember our authority and pray bold, faithful prrayers.

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    1. I love that confirmation, Lily! What a precious truth indeed that we have such esteem and consideration before Him, that we may pray with bold confidence, knowing that He applies His blood to what we bring before Him! Thank you so much for sharing that. I feel Him cherishing you right now!

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  6. Wonderful post Jennifer. May I add also that this Sunday 29th March when all the idols of sport, entertainment, family commitments, recreation pursuits are curtailed.
    Let us all WORLD WIDE . STAND. Let us pray for the world. Repentance for sins committed again Almighty God, and for Peace, Hope, Strength, for all carers, etc etc. Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide but let us in world=wide unity PRAY. All things can be closed but NOTHING – No virus, or Hell fire or destroy the blood-bought Children of God. Emmanuel has COME. He is with us, in us and THROUGH US. Let us PRAY.

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    1. Amen and AMEN. I love this call to pray! We as a church here in Iquitos have been fasting in our homes for the last few days, culminating today. Father have mercy on our nations! We plead the precious blood of Your Son over the ones You love!

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