Zika—More Dangerous Findings

Zika virus was initially thought to be a risk only for those of childbearing age, and only within a few months of infection. The mosquito-borne Zika causes children to be born with abnormally small brains. Scientists recently discovered Zika can be transmitted sexually—not just by mosquitos (CDC.gov). And now, scientists believe Zika infection may cause long-term memory damage in adults—similar to Alzheimer’s (The Telegraph, August 18, 2016).

The Bible has long foretold that one sign of the end of the age is “pestilences” (Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11). Zika may be one of these end-time tools that God uses to get the attention of a distracted, hedonistic world. God warned the Israelite-descended nations He would send “cursing” and “confusion” and a series of plagues upon them because they have turned away from God and rejected His laws (Deuteronomy 28:15, 20-22). Sadly, diseases like the Zika virus could be a foretaste of what is to come. God’s word tells His followers to “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression” (Isaiah 58:1). However, the Bible also reveals that if sinners will heed this warning, God will spare them and let them live (Ezekiel 33:15)! For more on the Church’s responsibility to warn the world, be sure to read “What Is the Mission of God’s Church?”