Kat-astrophe
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating storms to ever hit the U.S., at least in recorded history. Thousands are feared dead, hundreds of thousands are homeless, and the monetary damage will surely be measured in the billions. Many look at Katrina's aftermath, and ask, "how could God allow something like this to happen?" They propose that either God was not involved, or that God does not exist... After all, how could a loving God allow this?The prophet Amos said, "Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?" (Amos 3:6, KJV). The Holman Christian Standard Bible translates this passage, "If a disaster occurs in a city, hasn't the Lord done it?" This is a rhetorical question posed by the prophet. He is not looking for an answer, but expects that the answer is already known. "If a disaster occurs in a city, hasn't the Lord done it?" The answer to this question is obvious... "of course".
So why would God send such a storm to wreak havoc upon this city, and this area? The Lord has not specifically revealed the answer to me. However, I do know that there is a reason. That reason, in my estimation, is most likely due to the following:
- When the name "New Orleans" is mentioned, most people immediately think of Mardi Gras. The revelry that occurs during this festival is well-known, and has drawn many comparisons to what occurred in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Drunkenness, drugs, orgies, and all sorts of perversion fill Bourbon Street and the entire city as many prepare to celebrate Lent. Not only does such wickedness occur during Mardi Gras, but it has become a year round part of life in "The Big Easy".
- Another thing that the "Deep South" is well known for, especially in the region itself, is gambling. Riverboat Casinos are one of the largest money-making industries in the area, and was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina.
- Along with excess, sexual perversion, and covetousness, New Orleans and the outlying areas are also a hotbed for voodoo and the occult. Those who practice such things are engaged, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in the worship of devils.
We must remember that God is not just a God of love, but He is also a God of righteousness, justice, and wrath. Instead of looking at the destruction from Katrina and asking, "how could God allow this?", we should, instead, look at the wickedness that is in the world, and the wickedness that lies within each of us, and ask, "how can God be so patient, longsuffering, and merciful?"
posted by James Rondon @ 10:42 PM
36 comments
36 Comments:
I am so glad to read this. This is the first thought that went through my mind (the Sodom and Gomorrah comparison). Thank you for putting it into words (something I'm not very good at).
As to the question "How could a good and loving God allow this?" It's as you said, He is a God of justice. I would ask these people, "If someone was convicted of murder or other crime, would you expect a 'good' judge to let them off without punishment?" Of course not - they would have to pay for the crime.
I believe we are nearing the end times and things will not get better but they will get worse. I only hope and pray that the unbelievers will take this catastrophe as a warning and get their souls right with God.
Amen, Patti. If there was no justice, why did Jesus suffer? Was it not God's justice and wrath being poured out on Him, for our sins? If we turn from our sins, and trust in Him and what He did, the Scriptures promise that we will be saved from the wrath of God, through Him.
Pray along with me, Patti, that this event will turn many eyes to the mercy and grace of God, that only comes through Jesus Christ...
It might be a good idea to realize the bible verse you quote was written at a time when the cause of hurricanes was not scientifically known. Global warming is and will cause bigger and bigger hurricanes as we human beings continue to disrespect the planet. As for sinful cities... why hasn't Las Vegas been burned to the ground? God is love. He may be a God of justice, but the God of wrath you speak of is from the Old Testament. Jesus brough a new covenant of LOVE... please take that to your prayer time.
Hello Anonymous. Are you saying that Amos, prophesying by the Spirit of God, only said what he said because science was not that advanced? What would that say about the Spirit of God?
As far as God being a God of love, He is. But one cannot divorce His love from His righteousness, and His holy wrath. You alluded to the Old Covenant, but see what is written of under the New Covenant, regarding the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ:
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." (2 Thess. 1:7-10, KJV).
He also said judge not lest ye be judged. I think you should leave the judging to god, and stop speculating and presuming you know the mind of God in this situation, and turn your hearts toward your fellow man and stop preaching a doctrine of wrath and vengeance.
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. To judge that this heartbreaking catastrophe is God's vengeance... to pass judgement on your brothers and sisters in the gulf–I see no love in that. Your words do not bring any joy, they are not uplifting, they do nothing to inspire a chain reaction of love.
Luke 13:1-5 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Luke 13
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
PLUS
John
Chapter 9
1
1 As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
2
2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3
Jesus answered, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
..........
These two sets of verses show that natural evil is not always the result of personal sin.
Robert
Hello again, Anonymous. I think you should read through my article, along with my posts again. In your rush to judge me, your words have become a judgment against yourself.
As far as my words not being uplifting, what is not uplifting about Jesus Christ? That is what my article was all about (see the conclusion), that is what my posts have been all about, and that is what this blog is all about.
Without Jesus Christ, there is no salvation...
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God... He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:16-21, 36, KJV; cf. Rom. 5:8-9).
By the way, I recommend that everyone who names the name of Christ use this tragedy as a way to demonstrate the love of Christ. If you are able, please consider giving money, or some sort of means to help those who are suffering. This, in my estimation, is best done personally, but can also be done through an organization that is equipped to help in situations like these. There are many good organizations out there, many of which are run by Christians, and organized through churches.
One should also use this to show the love of Christ by using it as an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should do as much as we can to help the body, but our main priority should always be to save souls.
May God be glorified in you, as you glorify Him through His Son, Jesus Christ...
Amen Brother, Amen!! It is sad to see this and to see how the rest of the world see's "us" as Americans. the German chancellor made derogatory comments as to "Americans are animals, and the government has no control over them", to which I answer, he's right. We are sinful, selfish creatures, living day to day serving our own needs, fullfilling our own lusts, and never taking our brothers and sisters into consideration of how our actions will affect them. Least of all, we do not consider that there is a mighty Creator that is displeased with our disobediance and the fact that we MUST be discaplined before we destroy ourselves and each other! God is a wonderful Father and Creator; he is Holy and Pure. It is no wonder that our country as a whole has not fallen into the sea, leaving no trace of any existance.
Love in Christ,
Tim J Goodwin
2 Cor.6;17
What about Job? Wasn't he a holy man, and yet he suffered terribly.
Again, I don't think it is our place to presume to know the mind of God. To presume to know such things is to elevate oneself to the level of God. The world is a mystery, and I think god meant it to be that way.
I am in no way judging you... I am asking you to reconsider your judgment of your neighbors in New Orleans and Mississippi. The bottom line is none of us can possibly know why such awful things happen.
If we're looking for an Act of God here, then we should look to ourselves. God will be present in our compassion, our donations, our prayers, and our service to those in need in the gulf.... not in pointing fingers and condemning those who choose to believe differently than you do.
I really don't feel sorry for alot of them down thier. What was the first thing they did? They LOOTED! Most of them at like animals too.. Shooting at the rescue choppers, shooting at the people in boats tring to rescue the helpless people trapped on thier roofs. I shouldn't say I don't feel sorry for any of them, I do. Their are the people that are not doing any looting or shooting that need help. I'm praying for all of them. I think GOD picked New Orleans to be destoryed because most of the people there act like ANIMALS. They drink, have sex, fight, gamble, rob & kill. I know this because I went down thier for 3weeks, and that is what I saw.
Hello again, Anonymous. Yet again, I suggest that you re-read my article, along with my posts. I have not presumed to know the mind of God regarding this matter, and have already made that very clear.
Regarding the mystery that you spoke of, it is no mystery that New Orleans is a city that wreaks of depravity. Even CNN put an article on their website today calling it "Sin City". Would God be unjust to send a catastrophe against it? No. And because of our sin, He would not be unjust to send a catastrophe against any one of us... Let us never forget that it is because of His mercy, and His mercy alone that our hearts continue to beat.
As far as finger pointing is concerned, I will point out sin when I see it. If people do not see their sin, why would they ever look for a Savior? When I speak of pointing out sin, I am not talking about condescending, I am talking about pointing out the disease, so that those infected will see the need for the Cure... Jesus Christ.
Finally, based on your last statement, I have to ask you something. You said something regarding what I believe... What did you mean by this?... Have you turned from your sins, and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him alone for your salvation?... Are you living for Him?... Are you sharing His message of salvation with others?... If not, why not?... If so, praise the Lord!
James,
So in your thinking, is God using a judgement on New Orleans to teach them to turn to Him, or is He simply destroying them?
Isn't the Holy Spirit what turns people to Christ, not natural disasters? Remembe that you quoted a scripture that was before He sent the Spirit, right?
Robert
Where is your reply to Zizzo? Do you feel sorry for the victims? Where would Jesus be if he walked the earth today? Would he dismiss the suffering? Correct me if I'm wrong, but Jesus spent much of his time with the sick, the poor, the prostitutes – something tells me he would be there with the LOOTERS, the drug addicts and yes.. the poor and disadvantaged. Zizzo makes it sound as if he believes all the poor are to be disdained. This is not the Jesus that I know and admire... and yes, I am a Christian... a dismayed one.
James,
You said:
"If people do not see their sin, why would they ever look for a Savior?"
How about:
"If people do not see their Saviour, why would they ever look at their sin?"
He is the True light that reveals sin.
Robert
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:34-40
Very good anonymous- praise the Lord!!!!!!
Robert
Amen, Anonymous. May the Spirit of God move all who name the name of Christ to act on their faith, and bring glory to God through showing love for their brothers, their neighbors, and their enemies.
Robert wrote: "Isn't the Holy Spirit what turns people to Christ, not natural disasters? Remembe that you quoted a scripture that was before He sent the Spirit, right?"
Hello Robert. Regarding your statement, please see Acts chapter 5, and Acts chapter 12.
Hello again, Anonymous (it would be nice if I could at least refer to you by first name). Regarding John Zizzo's comments, and your questions that followed... Are you reading my posts, or are you only skimming them?... Do I feel sorry for the victims? Of course! Whether this was a direct punishment by God or not, I still feel sorry for them... and have made more than one statement about my concern for them. I am also planning on doing something about it... What about you?
Thanks, James, I will ponder that.
Blessings,
Robert
James,
The question is this: why did you emphasize judgment rather than mercy in response to the hurricane victims?
(why was that first in your statements?)
Robert
James 2:13
For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James,
I don't believe that you showed no mercy, I am just puzzled as to why you led off with judgement verses.
Peace,
Robert
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Robert, why is that puzzling?
It's puzzling because I don't understand why?
James,
To elaborate further- it seems that when something like this occurs, the first thing on our minds should be to respond to the victims with mercy. That seems to me to be what Jesus would have done....
Repent or Perish
1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
The point of my article was stated in my conclusion. Read it again, if need be. Then ask yourself, "What am I doing?"... "What am I willing to do?"... And, "What am I going to do?"...
As they say in the world, "Talk is cheap." As the Lord says in His Word, "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves..." (Jam. 1:22, KJV).
James,
What did you think about the tower of Siloam scripture? How does it apply to the situation?
By the way, how are you responding to the situation?
Robert
These men were assuming, and had no knowledge, at least as far as we are told, regarding those Galileans who were killed by Pilate. It was not because the men who were killed were known to be murderers, rapists, and idolators, but just because they were killed. It seems that they were speculating based on the event alone.
We may also assume, from Jesus response, that the men He spoke to were attempting, in some way, to use this event to justify their own selves. This happened often when people spoke to Jesus, especially when it was the scribes and Pharisees.
His response, similar to mine in the conclusion of my article, was that all men are sinners, and all need to repent.
As far as what I am doing... I am hesitant to spell out details due to the fact that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. I will say this, I have already done something, have made arrangements with several others to do something else, and have made further plans to do a few other things, as the Lord permits, and as I am able... What about you?
James,
I have done something, though probably far too little and probably not as much as you have. My financial resources aren't so impressive....I don't own a house to share. Any suggestions?
Robert
Little is not always little... Remember the widow? (cf. Mark 12:42-44).
Good point. I appreciate you ability to have relevant verses on hand.
Blessings,
Robert
As far as I know....James....these things that you mention (sex, drugs, gambling, etc..) happen EVERYWHERE, in every city, in every country, throughout the entire world. I happen to have relatives that were killed in New Orleans when the hurricane hit...and I can tell you right now that they did not deserve it. The justification you gave for why this horrible tradgedy happened to these people is way off, and I think you need to re-evaluate God's message.
Did the children who were caught up in the flood of Noah's day deserve it? They were caught up in the flood, regardless.
As far as "re-evaluating God's message", what do you mean? Please be more specific, and tell me what, exactly, I need to re-evaluate.
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