America has a reputation around the world for doing things bigger and better than anyone else. Certainly, their worldwide contribution to humanitarian aid, and their involvement in the worldwide missionary movement are far greater than anyone else. But this week has seen disaster strike the United States at an unprecedented level. The Mayor of New Orleans is reported to have described his city as “another Hiroshima.”
There is still no accurate record of how many have lost their lives. The relief efforts so far have concentrated on rescuing the living, but it is recognized that there could be thousands of bodies trapped in ceilings of flooded homes. The extent of the material damage is horrendous. As I write it is being reported that a major portion of the old city of New Orleans is irreparable, and many other parts of the coastline have been destroyed.
Our hearts and our prayers go out to the hundreds of thousands who have lost their homes, and the families who have lost loved ones. It is difficult for us to comprehend the magnitude of the suffering this tragedy has caused.
When the twin towers of the World Trade Centre were destroyed by terrorists on 9/11, the world was horrified at the extent of the damage and loss of life. But, at least we could understand it in terms of “man’s inhumanity to man.” However, this time it is a “natural disaster,” or, to put it in Christian terms, “God did it!”
This raises the question, which I have already been asked: “What is God saying to us in this?” “Why would God allow such a terrible thing to happen?”
While many will, no doubt, over time, bring forward their thoughts on this, it is certainly a reminder of the fragility of our life on this planet. Although mankind has made enormous progress in understanding and sometimes harnessing the forces of nature, the events of this week remind us that we are contending with forces far beyond our capacity to tame. As James reminds us in his Epistle, life is fragile and we should always keep that in mind: “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”” (James 4:13-15)
A second point to note is that such ‘natural’ disasters were plainly foretold in Jesus’ predictions for the “Last Days”, and in the Book of Revelation. God is not interested in simply giving us a comfortable life on this planet. He is preparing us for life in His Kingdom of Heaven. This earth, and all that is in it will one day be destroyed. (2Peter 3:10) What we are seeing now is but a little sample of what is to come.
It is reported that there was an article in a Scientific Journal several years ago that predicted just such a disaster as we are witnessing at present. However, no-one really believed it could happen, nor took the appropriate steps to prepare. The Bible clearly warns us of what is yet to come, are we ready? (2Peter 3:11-13)
When Jesus commented on a ‘natural’ disaster where people were killed by a falling tower in Jerusalem, his warning was: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:5) The tragedy in the US should remind us all of our need to be in a continual state of repentance before a Holy God.
HONOURING FATHERS!
For those on our email list, I have circulated a lovely message, which I received about Fatherhood from a Christian perspective. If you did not get a copy, please let me know.
In Eph.6:2,3 we are reminded that the Fifth Commandment; “Honour your father and mother”, is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” In my counselling experience I have encountered numerous situations where problems in life have stemmed from a failure to honour parents. This involves much more than giving a material gift on Fathers’ day and I hope to teach more on this later in our Studies in Ephesians.