As I write this, I have just learned of a 4 month old baby girl found in the shattered remains of Ishinomaki, Japan. There is hope brought from despair. Which brings me to the point of this post. Some are claiming that the powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake and
tsunami are judgments from God. It is easy to arrive at this conclusion, the bible plainly describes many such events and declares them to be the wrath of God.
But there are a few things we must understand before make such sweeping blanket statements. First, Jesus told us to be careful when we judge, lest we by the same measure are judged. Second, the judgment and wrath of God is stored up for all who do not turn to Him for the mercy He freely gives to all who call upon His name. In fact, 2 Peter tells us that God is not slack concerning His promise (to pour out His judgment) but withholding that judgment to give an opportunity for repentance. Third, the true Day of the Lord has not arrived yet, this is only the beginning, much as a woman in labor.
I know, we have heard it said that the Haitian, the Chilean and now the Japanese earthquakes are the judgment of God. Does that mean that other countries that do not experience an earthquake are off the hook? That they are found not guilty? Not so fast. As John the Baptist told the Pharisees, “Who told you to flee the judgment to come?” God’s judgment will be poured out on all the earth in the time to come. These are but warning shots fired across the bow.
I was reading Isiah chapter 40 this weekend. The Lord God speaks of taking comfort in His coming and that putting our trust in the creation (aka mother earth) is foolish when His strength is great enough to raise an island without effort. My point is that we should not point fingers at the Japanese people with the 2 X 4 that’s coming out of our own eyes. We should take this quake for what it really is, a warning to turn from our own wickedness, our own evil ways and seek the face of God. Will we ignore the signs of the times and continue in our pride, or will we humble ourselves and call on the name of Jesus?