From the catastrophic tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri in
the spring to the today’s aftermath of storms and the Texas wildfires, natural
disasters have been big newsmakers this year. Thousands of people are homeless
from floods and tornados. The Texas drought, a tragedy in itself to farmers and
ranchers, has fueled the wildfires currently burning in dozens of places. At today's count more than 1000 homes have burned down so far.
Some Christian leaders publically suggest in such situations
that God is judging unbelievers and calling them to repentance, as with New Orleans
in Katrina. I don’t hear these voices quite so loudly when the disaster hits
the Bible belt. God does use weather for his purposes, but judgment starts with
the household of God (1 Pet. 4:17). Perhaps rather than point the finger at the
other guys, God’s message is for the American church to turn away from our own
sins and the various idols that we serve so that we can be salt and light to
others.
Certainly, Jesus said that his return would be preceded by
increased war, famines, and earthquakes (Matt. 24:6-7). This may be that time,
and if so, Jesus’ message is to be prepared and ready (Matt. 24-25).
Without question, we must use this opportunity to care for those
who have been affected.
Americans turned to God for help, protection, and comfort in
the wake of 9/11. Shouldn’t natural disasters also remind us of our dependence on God?
We have no more control of nature than we do terrorists. Only God can bring
rain to parched Texas; only God can turn the hurricane out to sea; only God can
send the tornado into the unpopulated countryside. When the storm does hit, he alone
brings comfort and peace.
As people of God, let’s respond biblically and seek God’s
face by drawing near to the One who gives mercy and grace to those who humble
themselves at his feet. Let’s search our own hearts and repent of what we find.
Let’s bring God’s kingdom in tangible ways to victims in their time of need.
Let’s be sure we are ready to meet the coming King.
How have you biblically processed these multiple disasters?
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I do feel that we are drawing closer to the end times. It's not just the weather, but the situation in the Middle East that makes me say that. Globalization is another clue. I don't really see the weather as judgement, as much as a reminder of who it is that is control - and that is NOT me.
ReplyDeleteJane, No question those are indications that the end is coming. Whether it will happen this year or in 100 years or more is uncertain. Both are short times in God's economy! Either way, it is definitely a call to recognize our total dependence on God!
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