More Swine Flu Questions

The questions now are, who gets what, why, how much, and when? Those are the things being asked as far as the administering of the much anticipated Swine Flu vaccine.

The answer, by those who supposedly are in the know, is simple. All in need of a vaccine against the regular winter flu, should be the first in line for the H1N1 version. According to the government, those topping the need list when the medicine begins to arrive next month are:

- Pregnant women.
- The young, from age 6 months up through age 24.
- Health workers. for those with chronic health conditions.
- Caregivers to the high-risk babies under 6 months old.

One other key question, among many, is exactly how many doses will it take to protect kids under age 10? Because of their more immature immune system, they often require more doses than an adult. This would mean having to receive two at 21 days apart. Also, if a very young child happens to be getting their first-ever regular seasonal flu vaccination this year, that would mean four shots - two against regular flu and two for Swine. Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated, "This is going to be a complicated flu season.”

It appears that Americans range from mildly tense to fully terrified at the prospect of H1N1 crossing their personal paths. Obviously, many can already attest that having any type of flu is an unpleasant experience at best. But the present fear is that, at worst, the Swine Flu could literally end one’s life or that of a loved one.

Despite all the questions associated with this predicted plague, the overriding question is why such paranoia and why the fear? Is it about the potential of dying an unpleasant death? Or is it just about dying, period?

Whatever the reason, there seems to be one pertinent follow-up question that not many seem to ever ask. What have those who do fear death done to prepare for it? It appears that the possession of adequate life insurance does relatively little to reduce worry over dying and death. But for whatever reason, only a precious few ever seem to seriously grapple with what comes in that first moment after they draw their last breath?

The answers to life's most crucial questions are dealt with extensively in God’s Word. For example, Hebrews 9:27 provides the ultimate warning for all to be ready to meet their Creator. The sobering reason is this. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” And in Luke 12, Jesus added some detail about what this judgment would mean to the spiritually unprepaired. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:5)

As far as sin-sick residents of planet earth, none are in any greater, or lesser, need than others. That sad, truth is presented concisely and quite forcefully in Romans chapter three. Verse 23 reads, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Fortunately, there has been a complete cure prescribed by God for the scourge of sin that has sickened and cursed the entire race of men. It is simple, fully effective, and readily available. The cure for sin works in an instant. The results are staggering and they last forever. (2 Corinthian 5:17, John 10:28-29) But best of all, it is free!

So the question that looms large is still this. Why are people so afraid of any life-threatening sickness, if a total cure is theirs for the asking? And why would anyone take even the slightest the chance of dying in an unforgiven state without ingesting God's miraculous solution?

A loving Creator's great plan for spiritual wellness is best revealed in what may be the Bible’s most familiar New Testament verse. The Holy Spirit led the writer John to reveal it this way. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Then the Apostle Paul also shared, how this supernatural healing power is made available to any and all who dare to claim it. "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Many questions remain as to how the nation, and the world for that matter, will be affected by the so-called Swine Flu. Some of them may never be fully answered. Perhaps others not until the sickness runs its course. But no question exists on the precise requirement needed to inoculate the human heart against sin and bring total immunity against all future eternal judgement.

Bill Breckenridge