What is a Christian response to a disaster of this magnitude?
Most of all pray. Then pray some more. When terrible stuff happens make like a Psalmist and stop talking about God behind his back and start talking to him instead.
Here are some jumbled thoughts going through my head at the moment:
Worst natural disaster? But if it was started by arsonists then how is it natural?
Worst natural disaster ever? What about all the Aborigines who died through small-pox etc. when the Settlers arrived?
Pastor Danny Nalliah? says that it is God's judgment on Victoria for passing abortion legislation
Oh dear. While it is true, according to Romans 1: 18, that God's wrath is being revealed against godlessness in our present age, Jesus also made it clear that there is not always a direct consequential link between sin and suffering in this age. (See John 9.)
Therefore these terrible fires do act as a warning of God's righteous judgment but not in the way that Pastor Danny means. In a society full of sinners, those who play with fire get burnt. At this moment we should be looking to the arsonists. Besides, shouldn't it be the Victorian parliament burning if this was God's judgment on those who passed the legislation?
The human story. All in all the bush fires in Victoria are the human story writ large in bright burning letters. We are terrible sinners and our sin (of arson in this case) has terrible consequences - it destroys all those around us. Humans are capable of wonderful acts of kindness. God's common grace is evident here too. It has been touching how quick the Australian public are to help out in times of trouble.
The Christian gospel. Only Christ makes sense of all this. Only the gospel makes sense of a scene like this one. Adam and Eve, created in God's image and yet fallen. The first Adam made to be good, but in desperate need of redemption by the second Adam. The worst natural disaster ever is known as the Fall. The best supernatural disaster ever is known as the Cross.
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2 comments:
It seems like sometimes there's a direct link between sin and suffering:
1Cor. 11:28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
1Cor. 11:29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
1Cor. 11:30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?
Acts 5:4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Acts 5:5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.
The thing is, I don't think we can say when.
Oops, thanks Stuart. I meant to say that but it was late at night!
My point from John 9 was supposed to be that there is not always a link between the too.
God is merciful and he often does not give us what we deserve.
Anyway, I've edited the post now accordingly.
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