Why would an all powerful God allow the horrific natural disasters of the past five years: the 2004 Asian Tsunami that killed close to 230,000 people, Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005, the Myanmar cyclone in 2008 and now the earthquake in Haiti? And why does a loving God allow the demon of depression to grip the minds and hearts of god fearing Christ followers until the suffering is more they can bear and the only viable source of relief is physical death?
The question of "Why God?" is not new. It is asked over 300 times in the book of Job alone. But we, like Job, are never given God's answers. Paul in Romans 8:21 reminds us that all creation, this fallen world we live in, will always be subjected to the frustrations and suffering caused by the consequences of sin until Christ returns.
Though we are never give a satisfactory answer to the question "Why," God has made clear to us the "what" of God's redemptive response to human suffering and of our requirement to respond to it. Jesus mission statement in Luke chapter 4 comes straight from Isaiah 61.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me to
proclaim Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken
hearted, to proclaim freedom for the
captives and release from darkness
the prisoners..."
We are to...."rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew their ruined cities,
that have been devastated for generations."
Romans 8:28 decrees that even God is not the cause of all things, but God works IN all things so that they come together for redemptive good.
It is amazing how tragedy brings people together. Nations of people who would typically never see eye to eye, who have deep seeded religious, political, ethnic and cultural difference have joined hands to help our fellow human beings in Haiti. In the weeks ahead we will be publicizing our response to the Haitian catastrophe. Be praying for God's guidance so you will be ready to step up when the time arrives. Be considering a monetary and time oriented gift. Besides sending financial assistance, we hope to send a crew or two every year for an extended period of time.
Since the announcement of 21 year old Luke Nevling's tragic death, scores of people from from different services and many small groups have joined forces to love on this family. Some prayed and stayed with Luke's body until the doctors could harvest his organs. Some brought food, others reached out to the youth of the community whose world was rocked by Luke's death. Others have rallied to get the church ready for the service so those who attend will experience the power and presence of God as soon as they enter. Many have called, texted and emailed the staff with words of encouraging prayer. I have been deeply moved by your compassion for the Nevling family and couldn't be more proud to be your partner in Christ.
We live in a dangerous, sinful world. The creation moans as if in childbirth and the demons of depression roam to and from upon the earth, but thanks be to God that Living Word has the final word......."Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting? The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
I am blessed to be a part of a church that knows the mission.... and lives it.
Peace,
Rick
