God’s grace and peace be with you.
What are we to make of events such as the terrible bushfires we have witnessed in Victoria over the past two weeks? What about the flooding in Far North Queensland? Maybe you are dealing with terrible events that affect just you or those closest to you. Many people, Christian and non-Christian alike, are asking what God’s role in these terrible events might be. Why does a good and loving God allow such destructive events to occur? Where is God in the midst of all this suffering?
Someone has suggested that the fires in Victoria are because the Victorian Government’s laws regarding abortions. The inference being that God is punishing Victoria for passing a bill that is dishonouring and destroying human life that God has created. Let’s be clear on this. Tragic events that unfold in our lives are not because of God’s punishment, not in Victoria, not in Far North Queensland, not anywhere, not anymore.
At times like this it is worth remembering that according to John’s Gospel, the last words Jesus spoke on the cross were, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) When Jesus died, the work of salvation was completed. He died in the place of all humanity, bearing all the punishment that was meant for us. So it makes no sense to suggest that God is punishing Victoria, Queensland or anybody else when bad things happen to us.
What people mistake as punishment is often confused with the consequences of our actions, especially our sins. The fires in Victoria aren’t punishment from God but the result of sinful people lighting them on purpose. They are the result of carelessness by individuals. They are the result of lightning strikes into a tinder-dry bushland.
In the midst of this suffering is the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is not remote, watching our lives unfold from a distance. He is standing with us in the midst of our struggles and he encourages and supports us as we learn to put our hope and trust in him alone. God knows what it means to suffer and this is why he sent his Son to die the eternal death in our place.
The loss of human life is always tragic and our hearts go out to the many people who are grieving in our communities at this time. That so many people have died in such horrible circumstances reminds us that death is something that is very much a part of all communities. May these events remind you of the fleeting nature of lives spent gathering possessions which can be snatched away by fire or flood. May you hear God calling you back to himself so he may comfort you with the free gift of his forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of our bodies to life eternal.
Yours in Christ,