Sovereign Over Tragedy
As I write this we have heard the news of the devastation in Haiti. This small Caribbean nation has already been rocked by violence, poverty, corruption, and natural disasters. The latest tragedy appears to have leveled much of the country, leaving even the once regal presidential palace a pile of ruin. The human toll is yet to be determined, though early estimates say it will number in the thousands.
As Christians, we have mixed reactions to such tragedies. On the one hand, we know disasters of this sort are the natural result of life in a fallen world. Each new tragedy reminds us of the effects of sin. But each new tragedy also reminds us of the Redeemer who will some day bring an end to all suffering. Disasters must continue until the return of our Lord and even these tragedies remain under God’s control. I do not think anyone can point fingers and tell us why God brings such things but we can look and learn and be in fear and awe over God’s mighty, sovereign power.
We cannot say why God brings earthquake or tornado, fire or flood, but we can say what God would teach us. Through these disasters he would have us learn compassion, prodding us to pray for the suffering and to help them in any way we can. He would have us be reminded of his sovereign authority, knowing that disasters are not beyond his control. He would remind us that one day suffering will come to all who die without Christ. He would remind us that no one knows how long we have on this earth. Cling to Christ by faith while there is still time, and live for him while breath remains in your lungs.