Our pastor sends out weekly devotions via email and he posts some of them to the church's blog but he hasn't posted this one yet. AND Chad and I really loved this one and we felt we should share it with our blog readers! So enjoy and the following is credit to our pastor Rob Hutchinson.
Hardison Evotion: Tsunami Questions
We experience many things that often raise questions about our life and about our existence. The mind numbing tragedy that is ongoing in Japan is one of them.
Yesterday, I watched some new video of the Tsunami that struck Japan last week. This was footage from a news camera in one of the coastal towns in northern Japan. In 6 minutes, I watched in disbelief as the town was utterly destroyed by the relentless flood of water that tore through the town. I was awed and humbled by its power while my heart broke for its residents and the implications for their shattered lives.
Compounding the disaster are many other challenges the Japanese must now face in the aftermath. The real threat of radiation contamination, danger to the rescuers, critical water and food shortages, impending bad weather, and the free fall of their economy are just a few of the many problems ahead. Then, there is finding shelter, clothes, transportation, and livelihoods for those affected – not to mention rebuilding the infrastructure. In the midst of it all, aftershocks continue, fueling the question, “Will there be another big one?”
The reality of the situation and its constant coverage on the news raises all kinds of questions, particularly in the context of our life of faith. I have heard many of them over the last 5 days. Here are a few:
- Why did God allow this to happen? Is He punishing them?
- Is this a sign that the end of the world is near? Is Jesus coming back soon?
- Do my prayers make a difference to the people of Japan? Do they change God’s activity in what is happening there?
God certainly possesses the power to have prevented this disaster; after all, He created the world. But I don’t believe He stuck His finger down on the Teutonic Plates and gave them a shove, especially not to punish the people of Japan. If that is how God operated, there would not be too many people left on this earth – including you and me.
Yet, even though humanity is often obsessed with blame and punishment, Jesus is more interested in loving redemption. The Bible is clear that there will be a Judgment - at the end of time. But, until then, God’s focus is on redemption – not punishment. (If you are worried about the end of time, just get right with God, and that will no longer be a worry! There is no gloom and doom in eternity. If you are not sure, let’s chat!)
There are lots of people right now pointing to the Book of Revelation and trying to make a case that this is another sign that the end of the world is near. They speak with confidence and passion and warn of God’s pending wrath and eternal punishment that is coming soon. I say, “More power to ‘em!” Just don’t forget that they don’t know any more than you do. They don’t know any more than I do. Jesus was incredibly clear on the fact that He was going to come again, but He also said this:
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Matthew 24:36)
What I do know is that we have experienced earthquakes, disasters and wars since the beginning of time. Revelation is a fascinating book in the Bible, but I believe it is less a blueprint for us to follow, and more about a reminder that no matter what we encounter in this world, we must never lose sight of the fact that God has already won. He has conquered sin and death and freely gives the fruit of His sacrifice to each one of us.
Here’s a question for you. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-56
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-56
Our prayers matter because they bring us closer to God. They enable us to become His Living Presence in the world around us, which will hopefully result in an outpouring of love and care for the people of Japan. I am certain that God is already seeking to redeem the people who are suffering there, and it is His desire for us, as believers, to be a part of it. People all over the world will come to Christ when they see His presence in the way Christians choose to love and serve the people of Japan over the next days, weeks, months, and years.
So, be sure to love, hope, and pray.
No comments:
Post a Comment