Another Flurry of Monster Disasters

Between the massive cyclone in Thailand, the killer earthquake in China, and even the costly tornadoes in the U.S., people are wondering just what in the world is going on? Is this all somehow related or even prophetic? Or is it simply random acts of natural occurrences that suddenly strike and send unsuspecting souls into eternity – ready or not?

The Asian cyclone, at this point, may have cost 100,000 lives or more, while China’s earthquake has reached the 41,000 fatalities mark and that figure will likely grow. And this does not even include the loss of life that will certainly come due to disease and famine. The carnage is beyond words, that is, except any words of prayer uttered on behalf of survivors and those who assist them in the coming days.

The Bible does indicate that the perilous last days before Christ’s return would include fierce events in nature. And whether or not the above disasters are part of that Scriptural warning system depends on whom you ask. But one thing is for certain. Every life is precious to God and each death, regardless how it comes or when, will be followed eventually by divine judgment!

Hebrews 10 briefly explains why death is so very serious and not because of any painful disease or some other physical decline. Verse 31 of the chapter reveals an unmistakable and severest of warnings. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” For any questioning why that is, they need only to turn back one chapter and see verse 27. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” And if they are at all cloudy on why God’s judgment is of utmost importance, they should consider Jesus’ own words. He states, in no uncertain terms in Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” – hell being a place of literal, unimaginable and eternal agony.

During and after any catastrophic world event, there will be some that truly sympathize and care deeply about nameless strangers with whom they have never met or ever will. Their reaction is often a willingness to give of their own resources to help relieve human suffering. Hopefully this wonderful outreach will also stimulate a second reaction - a true willingness to evaluate their own spiritual condition and their preparedness to face some unexpected catastrophe along with a sudden entrance into eternity.

For Christians, sacrificial generosity to meet the material needs of the afflicted is more than inspirational and kind. It, along with fervent prayer, is their duty and should be the natural response and evidence of their salvation. Their actions of love should be motivated by the same and by the reality of Jesus’ words own Matthew 25:40. “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

But for those outside of God’s family, while their giving is helpful and commendable, it does not bring about any saving merit before God. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains why. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Only trusting in Christ’s sacrificial work can allow anyone meet the lone requirement of a holy Creator to confidently stand as fully justified before Him. But salvation also allows any good works pointed to our fellow man to become literal acts of worship presented to a loving God. And these same efforts will someday bring eternal rewards, replacing any former temporary benefits or satisfaction.

Proverbs 27 speaks to the absolute folly of assuming a lengthy life complete with long-term peace and safety. The first verse of the chapter states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” And in the New Testament, James adds his support. In chapter he relates how utterly foolish and presumptuous this outlook is, not to mention being viewed as sinful in God’s estimation. Verse 13 reads, ”Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”

Life at times brings difficult circumstances that are simply impossible to prevent, predict or prepare for. But facing that crucial moment of life’s ultimate spiritual crisis isn’t one of them - providing 1 John 2:1-2 has become both our position and protection. “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

Bill Breckenridge