In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck China, not only were lives lost but spirits were shaken as well. As one news source reported, the latest event has been seen by many to be the result of “divine retribution” for the social and political calamities that have plagued China in the past months. Along with this view many have resorted to superstitious ideas to explain the reason for their misfortunes.
It is unfortunate that this is the first picture of God people get in the aftermath of such a tragic event. The idea of an angry God bent on destruction has done much disservice to the God of Scripture. Here are some Biblical reasons to consider whether to determine if this case in China was indeed divine retribution or not.
Although the Bible does give account of God’s judgments they are always given with ample warning. God never brings sudden and swift destruction unless He first sends His messengers and mediators to reveal the reasons for judgment. Sodom and Gomorrah had their mediator through Abraham, Babylon was given a message from Daniel, Nineveh had its prophet Jonah, Israel had its countless prophets and judges, and in our day God has His Bible believing messengers as well. So the first thing to consider is whether a warning was given by a godly messenger.
God’s judgments are pronounced on matters of worship rendered. In the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament God pronounces judgment on those who have failed to render worship to Him as the Creator God. The judgments that came upon Israel and Babylon, for example, were a result of having departed from a system of worship that acknowledged God as the Creator and Sustainer of mankind. Both Israel and Babylon at one time had leaders in place that recognized a God whose dominion was over theirs and were subject to His ways (Daniel 4: 37). It was only when they departed from that knowledge that God declared His judgment (Daniel 5:18-28). Second thing to consider is whether what happened in China was over a matter of worship.
Earthquakes, wars, famines, have all been predicted in the Scriptures as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). Jesus encourages us to not be troubled for all these things must come to pass (Matthew 24:6). If Jesus, who taught that the kingdom of heaven is like a net that gathers together both the good and bad until an appointed time (judgment) (Matthew 13:47-50), is saying to not be troubled for these things are not the end, then we should know that what happened is China is sorrowful, not a result of God’s judgment.
Never was divine retribution a result of social and political calamity nor was it ever unannounced. God is aware of the struggles that plague human society and bears with those struggles until they are destructive to the relationship between Him and His created beings. What transpired in China should grieve our hearts along with those who are suffering loss. God’s final judgment has not yet taken place. This is not the time to be talking of divine retribution. God wants his people to comfort those who are experiencing tragedy and wants them to know that He cares.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
The Overcomer
Before returning to prophetic interpretation, we must take a moment to study the “supporting actor” of prophecy- the overcomer.
What is it about the Christian faith that helps people see a purpose for their lives regardless of their circumstances? Perhaps in the example of Daniel we can find some answers. If anyone had reason to lose faith it would have certainly been Daniel. After being taken captive he was taken on a three month journey through the scorching desert until arriving at the courts of Babylon. There Daniel was castrated and given the name of a pagan god as part of his initiation into a heathen culture.
What sort of God would allow this to happen to any human being?- is the common cry of any person when tragedy strikes. Many feel that because tragedy has befallen them they are justified in forsaking God because after all if there was a God how could such bad things happen? But is this a legitimate justification?
To answer this question we must understand the nature of tragedy. Scripture plainly tells us that in the beginning God created a perfect world in harmony with the laws of nature and with God’s spiritual and moral laws. So long as man exercised his free will to keep in accordance with God’s principles no tragedy could befall him. It was only until man disobeyed God that peace could no longer be secured. Tragedy does not come from God, it is the result of mans unrestrained will to seek for ungodly pleasures and desires.
Let us examine this principle at work during the time of Daniel. The Jewish nation at the time of Babylon’s invasion had forsaken God, violated His commandments, and desecrated the Sabbath. As a result, peace was forfeited and their city was no longer under divine protection. Consequently it was vulnerable to ungodly invaders. But Daniel understood this principle only too well. He had acknowledged the sins of his people and understood the reason for the siege. But being a man of faith and understanding he knew that if tragedy was the result of godlessness then faithfulness would yield peace. So he determined in his heart to not defile himself with the portions of the king’s food wanting his mental faculties to remain clear and sensitive to God’s leading. Because of his faithfulness Daniel was brought into favor with his captors and became a person to whom God revealed the mysteries of heaven.
So what allowed Daniel to be an overcomer? First, he did not blame God for his tragic circumstances. He knews his Creator was not the author of pain and suffering. He understood that tragedy existed because of mankind’s unrestrained will to seek after his own pleasures and desires. Second, he accepted that he must eventually suffer because of the godlessness that existed around him. And finally, the most important characteristic of Daniel was his ability to exercise his free will in order to determine to follow God’s ways knowing that faithfulness to his Creator yields peace and security. We can also be overcomers if we follow Daniel’s example.
What is it about the Christian faith that helps people see a purpose for their lives regardless of their circumstances? Perhaps in the example of Daniel we can find some answers. If anyone had reason to lose faith it would have certainly been Daniel. After being taken captive he was taken on a three month journey through the scorching desert until arriving at the courts of Babylon. There Daniel was castrated and given the name of a pagan god as part of his initiation into a heathen culture.
What sort of God would allow this to happen to any human being?- is the common cry of any person when tragedy strikes. Many feel that because tragedy has befallen them they are justified in forsaking God because after all if there was a God how could such bad things happen? But is this a legitimate justification?
To answer this question we must understand the nature of tragedy. Scripture plainly tells us that in the beginning God created a perfect world in harmony with the laws of nature and with God’s spiritual and moral laws. So long as man exercised his free will to keep in accordance with God’s principles no tragedy could befall him. It was only until man disobeyed God that peace could no longer be secured. Tragedy does not come from God, it is the result of mans unrestrained will to seek for ungodly pleasures and desires.
Let us examine this principle at work during the time of Daniel. The Jewish nation at the time of Babylon’s invasion had forsaken God, violated His commandments, and desecrated the Sabbath. As a result, peace was forfeited and their city was no longer under divine protection. Consequently it was vulnerable to ungodly invaders. But Daniel understood this principle only too well. He had acknowledged the sins of his people and understood the reason for the siege. But being a man of faith and understanding he knew that if tragedy was the result of godlessness then faithfulness would yield peace. So he determined in his heart to not defile himself with the portions of the king’s food wanting his mental faculties to remain clear and sensitive to God’s leading. Because of his faithfulness Daniel was brought into favor with his captors and became a person to whom God revealed the mysteries of heaven.
So what allowed Daniel to be an overcomer? First, he did not blame God for his tragic circumstances. He knews his Creator was not the author of pain and suffering. He understood that tragedy existed because of mankind’s unrestrained will to seek after his own pleasures and desires. Second, he accepted that he must eventually suffer because of the godlessness that existed around him. And finally, the most important characteristic of Daniel was his ability to exercise his free will in order to determine to follow God’s ways knowing that faithfulness to his Creator yields peace and security. We can also be overcomers if we follow Daniel’s example.
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