Current Events Monday: Dealing with Tragedy
The heartbreaking news coming from Louisiana certainly prompts one to pray for our suffering neighbors. Back in February, we got a brief taste of what life is like when nature takes away basic infrastructure. Consider however that some people have also lost most (if not all) possessions because the devastating hurricane and may be without electricity for weeks. We may also see a spike in Covid cases because of the near impossibility of social distancing and lack of hygienic necessities for those directly impacted by the storm. How do we respond to such tragedy?
Jesus was obviously no stranger to tragedies and natural disasters during his earthly ministry. In fact, Luke 13 records Jesus’ reference to a tower structure in Jerusalem that accidentally fell and killed eighteen people. The Gospels also constantly display Jesus’ compassion on people who had experienced some of the worst of life’s challenges. His ideal is that for which we must reach. But how?
First, it is crucial therefore for us to remember that Jesus never assumed that specific tragedies happened to certain people because they were more sinful than others. We will likely hear the legalistic religious pundits and political prognosticators in the coming days trying to put some sort of blame on people for incurring the wrath of Hurricane Ida. Let’s not give much credence to such wild-eyed theories. Jesus said that it rains on the just and the unjust, meaning that life is quite arbitrary. Natural disasters happen to both the good and the bad. We are here to help each other, not blame and shame.
Second, Jesus used tragedies to remind us about the importance of repentance. His discussion of the tower falling in Luke 13 is a good example of this. Since we have little control over many things that happen to us, we can prepare to meet God face-to-face through repentance and faith. Tragedies bring home the point of how brief life can be. Getting our souls right with God today ensures us of being in right relationship with Him no matter what may come.
Let’s continue to pray for and look for tangible ways to help our friends in Louisiana, being full of compassion and repentance.
If you are looking for some specific organizations with whom you can partner concerning those hurting from Hurricane Ida, please consider the Texas Baptist Men: Texas Baptist Men (tbmtx.org).