Why?

I posted this devotional for Tuesday, December 28, 2004 in response to the earthquake and destruction which occured on Monday.

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Why does God allow devastation and loss of life? Yesterday, an earthquake off the coast of northern Indonesia set off a tsunami with waves as high as 33 feet. The wall of water swept miles inland killing thousands in its path. The current death toll sits around 24,000 and is expected to rise further. Much of Southeast Asia is devastated and the waves killed people even 3,000 miles away in Somalia. For more on this click here.

Why does God allow this to happen? This is a question, which has perplexed both believers and unbelievers since Adam’s fall into sin. While, the Bible offers many different and true perspectives on this question, the book of Ezekiel sets forth an often-overlooked answer to this burning question.

Ezekiel’s answer is as follows: Evil, tragedy, death, destruction, etc. all happen so that those who experience and witness it “may know that I AM the LORD!” Here are some verses from Ezekiel in the context of judgment upon Israel:

5:13 - And when I have spent my wrath upon them, they will know that I the LORD have spoken in my zeal.

6:7 - Your people will fall slain among you, and you will know that I am the LORD.

7:9 - I will not look on you with pity or spare you; I will repay you in accordance with your conduct and the detestable practices among you. Then you will know that it is I the LORD who strikes the blow.

12:20 - The inhabited towns will be laid waste and the land will be desolate. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

15:7 - I will set my face against them. Although they have come out of the fire, the fire will yet consume them. And when I set my face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.

See also: Ezek. 17:21; 20:26; 21:5; 23:49; 25:7, 17; 26:6; 28:23; 30:8, 19, 25 (and many more!)

For Ezekiel it is clear – God purposes such things for His name’s sake. It is His desire that the world will know Him. This does not mean that the entire world will be saved, but that the entire world will one day bow down before God and His Son, Christ (Phil. 2:10-11). The tsunami that killed thousands should be viewed as follows: First, it serves as a stark wake-up call to the frightening judgment of God upon those who are without Christ. Secondly, it serves as a reminder to those who are in Christ of the incredible power and might of our sovereign Creator. Lastly, for believer and unbeliever alike, this has happened that the Lord might be known.

My Responsibility: In light of this tragic event and in light of Scripture what type of response should we offer? First, we must offer God a response – we are to recognize that all events, which happen, are within his control and purpose. He does and allows everything for a reason – that reason being that His name may be known throughout the world. Secondly, we must offer warning to those who are without Christ for they face only his mighty judgment and wrath. And we must also offer comfort and hope to those who are suffering – both believer and unbeliever.

Question: Most of us reading this are on the other side of the world. Besides prayer what can we do for those who are suffering?

Prayer: Our mighty, holy, and perfect Father; you have displayed your power mightily and your creation has declared the power of your name. You have come in judgment upon thousands of people – both believers and unbelievers. We recognize that you have done so with a purpose – that your name may be known. Father, we ask that your name will be known in both your great wrath and in your great mercy. We ask that through these tragic events you will bring many into your kingdom. May your gospel of truth be proclaimed to the broken and downtrodden. And may we be faithful in prayer and support of those who need our help.