Haiti

Many heard the comments made by professing Christian Pat Robertson concerning the earthquake in Haiti. He said that in the past, Haiti made a "pact to the devil", for help in getting out from under the French. He said that they have been cursed ever since. He feels that the earthquake is God's judgement against them. I was shocked, grieved, and angered by his comments! I shutter to think how God feels about this man and his opinions.

I watch the news, seeing video and pictures of the devastation and my heart hurts so bad for these people. So much loss of life. Such destruction. Dead bodies are everywhere. Buildings, everything in ruins. So many still missing. Families torn apart. Babies and children roaming the streets looking for parents. Parents who have lost every one of their children, and wonder why God choose to let them live.
Efforts are being made to bring aid to these people. That is where the focus is, help these people in any way we can. But in the midst of people being occupied with compassion and help, some still beg the question of why God allows things like this to happen. It's just like here in America, after the tragic event of 9/11, when people by the millions flocked to church in the days and weeks following.

Jesus addressed calamity in Luke 13:1-9. Since way back in bible times, it has been thought that when something tragic happens to you, it is because you have committed some terrible sin, or living in a very sinful lifestyle. It's the thought that bad things happen to bad people, that the righteous will prosper and the wicked will suffer. You see it even as far back as Job 4:7. It's not to say that God has not, does not, and will not judge. When you sow in sin you will reap judgement. Proverbs 24:16 says, "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity." Galatians 6:7,8 says, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." Back when Jesus was on the earth, the Jews still thought the bad things that happen in your life were a result of sin (John 9:2).

In Luke 13, Jesus is being questioned about a couple of different calamities that had happened there. The people were supposing that the victims of these tragedies had suffered death because of their sin. Jesus questions them about their suppositions in thinking that these victims were the worst of sinners. He deals with the question by warning that unless they repent, they would likewise perish. The question to ask when faced with tragedy is not "why", but "am I saved?". The point is this, death is going to come. We know of course that every Christian alive at the time of Christ's return will be caught up together in the clouds with Jesus, and changed in the twinkling of an eye (1 Thes 4:17). But death is guaranteed for every other person. So since death will come, what Jesus is saying is that you better be ready. You are never guaranteed time to prepare for your death. You don't know when or how it will happen, but it WILL happen. It's not how you die, it's whether once you die, are you headed for heaven or hell? God was very merciful. Look at all the people that did survive the earthquake. He is patient and long suffering. Think of all the stories of God's mercy and grace on so many there in that country. Even here in America on 9/11, think about how many more could have died, and think of all those who survived. God was merciful! Does it really matter the details of how you will die, if when you do, you are headed for hell? We live in a fallen world. Sin, destruction, sorrow and death are all around. God is so gracious and merciful to every single one of us. Because of the fact that He had the right to kill you instantly the second you committed your very first sin after birth, he is already showing you such love and long-suffering. He is giving you time to repent. If you are without Christ, you are going to die and go to hell. Whether you die peacefully in your bed or in a plane crash matters little. Maybe you will know your death is coming by means of a medical diagnosis. But maybe you will get in your car today and never make it back home. The tragedy would be if you die without ever having repented of your sins, and without having asked Jesus to save you. That is why your loved ones, who are saved, will be mourning your death.

Beloved, praise God in all things, because He is worthy of all praise. He is good always! His holy Name will be glorified. So if you are one who is asking the why questions, turn to God and thank Him for His blessings on YOUR life. If you don't belong to Him, seek His mercy of salvation, and ask Him to apply the precious blood of Jesus Christ to your sin, and save your soul from everlasting judgement and punishment. On the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for sin. Tell Him that you believe that He is God, and that He died so that you might have everlasting life, and be, here and now, in right relationship with the Father. Plead at the throne of all grace and mercy for salvation, and you too will be saved. And then thank Him for all the suffering He endured on the cross for your sins. Praise Him for loving you so much that He was willing to come and die such a horrible death so that you could live with Him for all eternity, no matter how your death might occur here on earth.