“Amid the silent corpses, a baby cried out—and Japan met its tiniest miracle.” What an encouraging headline in the midst of heartbreak and destruction. When we, as Christians, see this, we can only praise God for His wonderful providence. But the question must be asked, where was God in the midst of the earthquakes, tsunami, and nuclear fallout in Japan?
It is easy to think this question through, as I have so many times, from the comfort of my own room. And yes, I do believe I have a general answer for this, that God can be found in the midst of chaos, and that He can be glorified by lives that are saved. We understand that God does not create evil, but that He can use it for His glory. We believe that God is in control. But what about the people who lay dying beneath the rubble? What do they believe?
I was very convicted over the events that occurred in Japan. I know that I am in no way responsible for it, but we all have been called by God to witness to those who are lost. So whether it is to the people in Japan, or whether it is to our next door neighbor (who we probably don’t even know), we all have a responsibility to reach out with the love of Christ. Ultimately, every individual will face the judgment of Christ, bearing their own responsibility as to whether they placed their faith in Christ. But far be it for us to sit idly by when we have the true source of healing living inside of us. That is the heart of Christ, and it should be our heart in counseling.
Neil, this is a great post. I know you to be a person with an amazing heart and what you've written here is only further confirmation of this. I think what struck me about the events in Japan was how the Japanese as a people have carried themselves and how their collectivist ideals have withstood the test of tragedy. I find it interesting that as a predominantly non-Christian country, and in the face of death and destruction, they are poster children for Christian ideals such as charity, selflessness and lovingkindness. Granted, these are also Buddhist ideals. The difference seems to be that the Japanese really believe what they say they believe. How refreshing. This seems to stand in stark contrast to what happens in the U.S. when tragedy strikes. While some work together, others loot, destroy, and take advantage at the first opportunity - it's sad how much pleasure people seem to find in chaos. So it would seem our cultures could stand to learn a great deal from one another although, they seem to have already mastered the really tough part - loving something more than they love themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent post and I think you bring up a very good point here. In the face of tragedy so many questions arise as to why and how these things happen. But the truth is that we live in a fallen corrupted world filled with tribulation. But God works through the darkness and by professing his love we can shine a light for Him. The only sure answer is that when we don't know He does. And we don't have to know we simply must respond in love.
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