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THE BELIEVER'S RESPONSE TO THE TRAGEDY IN JAPAN AND EQUADOR

Recently Japan and Equador were hit by severe earthquakes. We have viewed the newscasts stunned and shocked, by the horrifying images and unimaginable devastation.  Rescue workers are assiduously trying to reach the hardest hit areas, even as the authorities suspect the death tolls could rise dramatically. Hundreds of people are missing or injured, and hundreds of thousands have been evacuated and displaced, having lost their homes and possessions. 

 

What is the believer's response to this tragedy and incomprehensible devastation?  There are things that we should not do and things that we should do. 

 

Jesus instructs that we should not blame the victims of the calamity as if by their conduct they brought it upon themselves.   

 

In Luke 13:1-5, some people came to inform Jesus that Pilate had murdered some Galileans as they were offering their sacrifices at the Temple.   Jesus replied by asking them if they thought those Galileans were greater sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered such a fate.  Jesus said, "I tell you, No; but except you repent, you shall all likewise perish."

 

Jesus continued to point to another tragedy that occurred in Siloam.  He mentioned 18 people in Siloam on whom a huge tower fell, crushing them to death.  Jesus asked if they thought those people were more guilty offenders than others.  Again, Jesus said, "I tell you, No; but except you repent, you shall all likewise perish."  Jesus tells you NO!  You should not think that way.  You should not even allow your mind to go there. Instead, at a minimum, you should use the event as an occasion for self-examination.  Rather than examine the actions, belief systems or lifestyles of others who have died, look at your own life and make certain you are right before God, because there will come a day when you will also leave this earth.

 

 In John 9:1-5, Jesus and his disciples come across a man who was born blind.  Immediately the disciples started asking Jesus who was to blame for the blind man's condition.  They asked whether the blind man or his parents had sinned.  He explained that neither the man nor his parents were to blame for his condition.  A third time, Jesus instructed that we are not to assess blame.  Jesus, through his teaching and conduct instructs us that rather than be quick to blame, we should be quick to bless.   Jesus said that "the works of God should be made manifest in him."  Luke 9:3.  Jesus further stated, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day:  the night cometh, when no man can work."  Luke 9:4. 

 

Jesus explains that time is a precious commodity.  Rather than waste time trying to attribute fault, rather than speculate that the victims of calamity did something to invite the calamity, Jesus says we should invest time in seeing how we can be used by God to help improve the conditions of those affected.  Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with his saliva, spread it on the man's eyes and instructed the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam.  The man did so and received his sight.  Because of that miracle, the man and many others in Siloam believed on Jesus.
 

Isn't it interesting that the very place (Siloam) where 18 people lost their lives through unexpected tragedy was the very place Jesus went to perform this notable miracle?  Jesus brings triumph out of tragedy.  We are to bless, not blame.

 

Let's follow Jesus' instructions and example.  Let us honestly examine ourselves.  Are we right before God?  Are we harboring sin or unforgiveness?  If so, let us repent.  Then let us find ways to be a blessing to those impacted by these horrible events.

 

For one thing, we can decisively pray.  Through prayer we can dispel the darkness, disrupt the negative spiritual atmosphere and bring the power of God to bear on the situation.  Here are a few prayer points:
 

  • Pray that those trapped will be rescued, the lost will be found, families will be reunited, the injured will be healed and the grieving will receive comfort and help from the Lord.
     
  • Pray that on-the-ground personnel, including rescue, relief, safety and medical workers, will be protected and sustained through this crisis with vigor, wisdom, skill and compassion.
     
  • Pray that there will be no additional loss of life  or other residual damage.
     
  • Pray that there will be a cessation of the aftershocks (peace, be still, in the name of Jesus).
  • Pray that God will use this tragic situation to demonstrate hope and compassion to the people of these nations as people respond in his name.
     
  • Pray that the people who have been affected will not lose hope.
     
  • Pray that many will receive Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior.  It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

 

You can also give as the Holy Spirit leads you.  You can consider organizations like World Vision (www.worldvision.org), the Red Cross (www.redcross.org), Samaritan's Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), or other organizations.  But remember:  don't blame; instead, bless.

 

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