“… those who come from infested areas shall not enter Ragusa or its district unless they spend a month on the islet of Mrkan or in the town of Cavtat, for the purpose of disinfection.”
It was a quarantine edict issued by the city council. It could have been declared by any government official during this current COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, it was penned by an unknown author of the city of Ragusa during the height of the Great Bubonic Black Plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century. Without understanding the infectious vector or the epidemiology of this bacterial infection, astute observers noted that it was passed from person to person so a quarantine was enacted. The quarantine helped to mitigate the spread of the plague, even sparing some towns and cities.
It was the new normal.
As the world slowly receives the COVID vaccine, approaching herd immunity, and struggles with reopening businesses and schools, many believe that we are turning the corner on this pandemic. Yet reports from several countries are reporting new strains of the virus that may evade current vaccines. In addition, there are reports that groups previously thought to be spared, such as children, are seeing increasing numbers of cases. What should our response be? Will we continue to socially distance? Will masks be indefinitely required? Whatever lifestyle changes that are needed, there will be a new normal.
Throughout history, radical adjustments have been implemented to overcome challenges to our very existence. Mankind’s resilience has been tested through plague, wars, famines, and financial crises. We have successfully adapted and created a new normal. Will there ever be a time when a new normal will no longer be possible?
In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.
Revelation 9:6 (NKJV)
This verse from the Book of Revelation describes the harrowing state of the world during the time of the future great tribulation. During these dark days, the restraining power of God, the Holy Spirit, will be removed and Satan and his demons will wreck unimaginable destruction and suffering upon the world. The disasters that the world has experienced to this point will pale in comparison to the magnitude of horrors inflicted during the tribulation. Mankind will attempt to adapt and create a new normal, but it will be too late. Even seeking death to end their misery will not be an option.
There is only one hope.
If we confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will receive salvation and eternal life. Just before the Tribulation begins, Jesus will save all Christian believers who are living in this world at that time and transport them to heaven during the rapture. God promises to establish a new normal with a new heaven and new earth after the tribulation.
If you have not made the decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ, there is still time. Once you do, your life will be eternally elevated to a new normal. It will be an unchanging and incorruptible life filled with fellowship with God, the Creator of the universe.
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 
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