The Cure for the Virus

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28

There once was a king who had a vast kingdom. He loved his subjects more than anything, and he would do anything for them. He ruled in wisdom, kindness, and love. One day, a horrible virus came upon the kingdom. It was a terrible virus, and it was very insidious. People could have avoided it by washing their hands frequently and practicing good health habits, but they weren’t diligent, and they began to get sick. Their lungs filled with thick fluid and, breathing became difficult. The hearts of those infected were not strong enough to survive the attacks of the virus, and so the people began to die. The virus invaded everything. People were exposed to it without even realizing it, and the virus continued to spread like a wildfire. More and more people died. First, it was a few, then hundreds, then thousands. The numbers of deaths continued to climb, and despite all that the best medical professionals could do, the virus continued. It cared not the age of the individual; it infected children, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly. The king urged his scientists to find a cure, and they worked feverishly to do so. The people begged their king to help them, and he was desperate to save his people.

One day, a scientist came to the king with a discovery. They had isolated a specific antigen on this virus that could be targeted by a very rare blood antibody. If there was anyone in the kingdom that had this antibody, it could save the people. The king made a decree that everyone in the kingdom was to be tested. From the lowliest servant to the king himself. All would have their blood analyzed for the rare antigen. Thousands and thousands of people had their blood tested, but no one had the antibody. The king was so sad; he knew that everyone in his kingdom would die from this virus if it wasn’t stopped.

“Isn’t there anyone with this antibody?” he cried out, dropping his head into his hands.

At that moment, a scientist ran into the throne room. “Your Majesty!  We have found someone with the antibody!” He came to a stop in front of the throne.

The king stood up and shouted as a huge smile spread across his face. “That is wonderful!” Then he noticed there was no sign of jubilation on the face of the scientist. “What is it?” the king asked.

The scientist hesitated, then spoke. “In order to save the people, it will require more blood antibodies than this person can safely give. He would have to sacrifice his life, giving all his blood. That is the only way…”

The king sat back down on his throne. “To save us all, he would have to die?”

“Yes.”

“Who is this person? Does he know?”

At that moment, the king’s only son entered the throne room. The prince approached the throne and turned to his father. “It is I, Father. They have told me everything. I understand the need, and I will do it. Only my blood will save our people.”

The scientists were able to create a vaccine for the virus, and the people in the kingdom were saved due to the prince’s sacrifice. The kingdom rejoiced that the vaccine was successful. The virus had been defeated, and life soon returned to normal. The virus became a thing of the past, and as time moved on, people forgot about the horrors of its sickness and death. Hardly anyone received the vaccine anymore. No one really saw the need. Nearly everyone had forgotten the great price that was paid for their salvation. The prince’s sacrifice was just a story of long ago.

People soon returned to their old ways, living as they had always lived. The vaccine bottles began to gather dust in the pharmacies. Good health practices faded away, and the story of the virus’ defeat was just a small paragraph on a page in a history book.

But the virus wasn’t dead and gone; it was just gathering its strength…

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

(from “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard)

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” – Revelation 1:5

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Years ago, I read a story with a plot similar to this one. I have not been able to find it since, nor do I know who wrote the original. This is my own version tailored to the events of today. I would love to give credit to the original writer. If anyone knows who that might be, please let me know.