In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)

An allegory:

December 17: Rand Daily Mail – Johannesburg. Outbreak of unknown virus in Chonguene, Mozambique . . . more than 300 people dead . . . tens of thousands attempting to flee the region . . . relief groups struggling to respond. The Southern Africa Disaster Emergency Committee is on high alert and all border crossings with Mozambique have been closed pending a full investigation by the World Health Organization. The President of Mozambique has declared a state of national emergency and the army has been placed on high alert.

February 02: Portugal Post – Lisbon. Several area hospitals in Lisbon have isolated patients with symptoms of an unknown virus which possibly originated in Africa.

February 03: Portugal Post. Eighteen people dead from unknown virus. Public Health Services declare a medical emergency. The Prime Minister’s office will be releasing an official statement later today . . .

February 04: BBC – London. Panic strikes Europe – deadly virus on the loose. European countries have cancelled all flights and closed borders with immediate effect . . . thousands of tourists, business executives, and students are unable to return home.

February 05: New York Times. Killer virus crosses Atlantic! Mother and child lie critically ill in a Long Island hospital . . .

February 26: CNN. United Nations Statistical Office reports outbreaks of Necator Immunodeficiency Syndrome – NIS, in thirteen countries. Death toll in thousands . . . Centres for disease control and prevention are doing everything possible to develop an antidote . . .

March 21: CNN. Breaking news . . . vaccine imminent . . . Jerusalem lab has unlocked the code . . . unique blood type needed to make vaccine . . .

March 22: Globe and Mail. Blood type match found . . . Father gives authorities permission to use Son’s blood . . . Son died during transfusion . . . Father grieves . . . Vaccination in full production . . .

March 25: BBC. Salvation at last! Vaccinations 100 percent effective . . . New life for millions . . . Celebrations among people of every tribe and tongue and nation . . . Weeping turned to rejoicing . . .