(New Orleans, Louisiana) "With hundreds of thousands left homeless, and a rising death toll, some are saying Hurricane Katrina could be the worst natural disaster in our nation's history." (Foxnews.com)
Monday, August 29 has many dimensions as a day of national tragedy, a day of infamy, a day of terror, a day of grief, and yet another day that shocked the entire world. Because of TV, more people in the world actually witnessed the horror of this natural disaster and the horror of the associated looting than perhaps any other event since 9/11. It is a day that, in some ways, changed our nation's history, and perhaps world history.
As we reflect on this day and its meaning, the most important lesson we can learn is that God still rules, even in times of national tragedy. Tragic times challenge us to have greater faith in God. This horrible natural disaster, as well as the violence involved in the looting of its victims, is yet another clear and sobering reminder of the presence and power of evil, of the fragile nature of life, and of the importance of being right before God. Must a tragedy occur for us to be reminded to keep our priorities in order and make the necessary preparations to meet our God (cf. Amos 4:6)? What should all people do in the face of calamity? What can Christians do in the face of evil?
First, remember that evil exists in this world. God has not promised that calamity will not enter our lives. Whenever people, through ignorance, forget and reject God, they provide evil with fertile soil in which to grow and flourish. It was true during Jeremiah's day, when God said the people "walk after vanity," "have forsaken Me," and have "forgotten Me days without number." (Jeremiah 2:5,13,32) It was also true in the days of the apostle Paul who, in Romans 1:20-32, described the people's wickedness.
However, God's sovereign control over nature and history is never more clearly seen than in the way He infallibly accomplishes His purposes through, and in spite of their free will, creatures (see Esther 4:12-14). He sovereignly permits or prevents, according to His purpose. God's providence is possible because of His trustworthy character, His power and knowledge, and His goodness and wisdom. In these, we see how our sovereign Ruler is worthy of all our praise and thanksgiving and wonder and trust. "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens; and His sovereignty rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)
Second, sinners must repent and return to God. In Amos 4:6-12, God used natural calamities to punish and/or turn his people back to Him. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons of which we need to be reminded is that "Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34) During each of the past several years, people in America have killed thousands of unborn babies in defense of our own immorality. We have permitted those who do evil to escape with little or no consequence. Let us remember that no nation that harbors and fosters sin will stand--not even America. The Scriptures teach, "Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah..." (Psalm 33:12) Our nation must return to God and remember that our coins bear the inscription "In God we trust," and our Pledge of Allegiance includes the words, "Under God." These words should excite meaning in the hearts of the citizens of this forgetful nation.
Third, learn to resist evil and do what is good. Amos said to the people of Israel, "Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live; and so Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be with you, as ye say. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish justice in the gate: it may be that Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph." (Amos 5:14-15)
Likewise, the apostle Paul said, "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." (Romans 12:9) During such times of adversity, we must pray for our leaders, that peace, justice, cool heads, and wisdom will prevail. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we read, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity."
Even in the midst of turmoil, we must learn to wait for the Lord. Isaiah said, "Lift up your eyes on high, and see Who hath created these, that bringeth out their host by number; He calleth them all by name; by the greatness of His might, and/or that He is strong in power, not one is lacking. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from Jehovah, and the justice (due) to me is passed away from my God? Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard? The everlasting God, Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to him that hath no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:26-31)
Let us pray for those who suffer loss and do what we can to relieve their suffering. Let us support the government's efforts to execute justice upon evildoers (Romans 13:1-5); and let us learn to "be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell." (Matthew 10:28) Even in the face of tragedy, loss of property, or loss of life, those who trust in God need not fear because He is with them (Psalm 23:4).
Let me add some personal thoughts concerning Hurricane Katrina. The brethren here in our area, and in other parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky quickly answered the call for attention to the needs of the brethren whom this great storm affected. So much was given that some of it had to be placed in storage units until the time when the victims can return to their homes. Loving and concerned brethren gave money and goods in abundance. This is worthy of commendation and serves as an excellent example of how God's people can care for their brethren. Since I've been in the Midwest, many times I've seen Christians come to the aid of their brethren during times of personal tragedy. This is exactly how God's children should behave toward our brothers and sisters, because we love one another.
I hope and pray that brethren all over this country are reacting with the same zeal and outpouring of readiness in response to an even greater tragedy that is occurring in people's lives-the impending loss of their souls. Should we not be as concerned about the souls of these folks, and all others, who are lost and dying in sin? Which is more important-the loss of worldly goods, or the loss of men's souls?
If we were able to contribute enough to enable every person affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to regain the physical possessions they've lost, but made no effort to help save their souls, have we really improved the situation? Yes, we should feel compassion toward those in need, but may God help us to be more concerned about their spiritual welfare than we are about their material prosperity. (KMG)