Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Where is God in Tragedy?

When it comes to what happened in Colorado last Friday, there are many questions. Why did he do it? Is he insane or just evil? Did anyone see the warning signs? But in the end, I think that there is only one question that matters: Where was God?
Some believe that God predestines everything. They say crazy things like “Everything happens for a reason.” Bull crap. The Bible never says that. Anywhere. Look it up. And a belief in that will drive you insane, because then you have to believe in a god that is as cruel and evil as the pagan gods of old that tortured people for their own entertainment.
Some believe that God must be apathetic. He just doesn’t give a crap. The Bible says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Jesus Christ Matthew 10:29-31 NIV) God loves you so much, he counts the hairs on your head.
Some believe that God must be powerless. A Rabbi watched his son die of cancer, and concluded that God must care, but must be powerless. When Job questioned why God allowed tragedy, God “answered Job out of the storm.” (Job 38:1 NIV) God proceeds to explain His power showing creation. Look at the running horse; who gave it it’s power? Who laid the foundations of the earth, and set it on it’s axis and course? Who directs thunder and lightning? Who provides for the birds of the air and beasts of the field? Who made the dinosaurs, sea creatures, and hunters? Read Job 38-41 sometime. Watch the power of a thunderstorm, or stare into the expanse of the ocean. I’ve done it. Job did it, and answered “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 NIV)
So if God is good, caring, and powerful, why didn’t he do something last Friday?
God gave us this amazing gift called Free Will. He gave us choice. And people misuse that choice.
This maniac who snuck guns into a theater and shot 60 people misused his choice. So did the 9-11 hijackers. So did Hitler, Stalin, and Hussein. So does the drunk driver that killed your neighbor. So did the assistant coach that molested little boys. So do a lot of people. So do you and I, every time we lie or say something mean.
So why did God allow it? “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) God wasn’t just wanting to help the victims. He wanted to get the shooter to change his mind. God gave him a choice.
So where was God? God was with Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Smith, when Lucas was shot in the leg twice, and his wife helped him to the car, getting him in surgery quickly. God was with three of the dead, who sacrificed their lives to save others. God was with the father who lost a six-year old, whispering to him “I know how you feel. They killed my only Son.” God was with the pastor who comforted the grieving, something he was experienced with thanks to ministering to the families of the Columbine victims. God was with all those who were praying to Him, because we were so shocked we had nowhere to turn but to Him.

I guess that only leave one more thing to say. We can be angry. We can hate. Or we can be God’s hands and feet. We can comfort the mourning. We can hug our families. We can help those who were mentally ill. We can do something nice for an elderly neighbor.

We have a choice too.

No comments:

Post a Comment