by MW Cook

News from the East

There’s no need to tell you what happened in Pakistan last week, I’m sure you already know. I should let you know that we’re totally fine here, the quake wasn’t even felt on this side of the country, at least not physically. Images of the damage caused by the earthquake are all over the news, and I think there are two good questions we need to ask and answer.
“Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners that all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the other who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Do you think the people in the affected areas are under God’s special judgment? Not likely, but unless you repent your fate will be worse.
And a very important question to ask: “What is the Christian’s response to this?” I don’t mean, how can we explain this so God doesn’t look like a bad guy, you and I have already read good articles answering that question. I’m saying what should we do about the quake? Here’s a partial answer:
1 – Weep. Weep with those who weep, let this touch your heart, even though it’s so far away. Think about those in Canada who have friends and family in this area.
2 – Pray. God uses these things, He always does. Pray that the damage might be lessened, that good can come from this. Pray for the families who have lost people. Pray for the Good News that can go there.
3 – Give/Go. Give a cold cup of water to the least of these. You will by no means lose your reward. The early Christians were known not only for taking care of their own, but for taking care of everyone too. I wonder what we are known for today.
4 – Praise God. Praise Him that this is not the norm. That these disasters are rare, even though we call these things on our head every time we sin. Even in all this, God is merciful. Praise Him that He will bring good out of it all, that the weeping lasts only for a night, there is joy in the morning.