Such Talk Is Garbage

"Such Talk Is Garbage."

By: Pastor Jack Schneider

 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge!”  [Ps.19:1-2, NIV]

30 seconds.  That’s all it took.  Certainly, the aftermath was worse, and continues, but when the earth shook, a nation was devastated.

Which nation?  We could be speaking of Japan a few weeks ago.  After the 8.9 earthquake a tsunami swept ashore, wreaking havoc and untold damage, with thousands still unaccounted for.  On top of this, nuclear disaster goes unchecked as damaged reactors spew deadly toxins.

Yet only a year ago another earthquake brought incredible destruction and loss of life while wounding people mentally, physically and spiritually in Haiti.  People there are still asking “Why?” and wondering how God could allow one of the poorest and most ill-equipped nations in the world to suffer so horribly.  Additionally, cholera broke out in the Fall of 2010.

Some have suggested [including a well-known evangelist] that God may be punishing people/countries/cities with natural disasters such as these.  Be very careful.  Such talk is garbage.  We live in a world created by a scientific God, Who uses normal wind and ocean currents, along with tectonic plates and continental movements to effect the beauty of His creation.  He is our refuge and strength, and we need not fear, even when the earth gives way and mountains fall into the sea [Ps.46].

In Port-au-Prince, Rev. Thomas Bernard, a Haitian Lutheran pastor answered when asked why this had come upon his country.  In his response, substitute “Japan” for “Haiti,” and the message is the same:  “I do not know why this earthquake has come to [Haiti].  I do not know why so many people have died and why so many are suffering.  Some have suggested that perhaps God was angry with the [Haitians] for their history of [voodoo] or some other sin.  Some have said that [Haiti] is receiving the wrath of God.  I do not know why it happened, but I will tell you what I know.  On the cross, Jesus Christ took upon Himself and bore the full wrath of God in His body.  There on the cross in Jesus, the wrath of God was answered for.  Jesus took our punishment and has died for the sins of the entire world.  [Haiti] did not suffer for their sins because Jesus did suffer for their sins.  I look to the cross of Jesus to see my Savior.”

God has given an opportunity for you and me to respond to the needs of others.  Go to our LCMS website and click on Lutheran World Relief to see how we can assist.  And next Sunday in church, give a hug to Lee and Yuko Luhrs, who have family in Japan.  Your prayerful support is meaningful!

- Jack