Following the earthquake and the tsunami in Japan, many people have been questioning, ‘Why Japan?’ ‘Why so much suffering?’ ‘Where is God?’ To a certain extent, it’s natural for us to ask these questions, as we share the same humanity. Hence our eagerness of trying to make sense of this terrible tragedy

 

While I was thinking about these terrible recent events in Japan, a Bible passage came to mind. It’s a passage where some who were present while Jesus was teaching, told him about some people who met their death in a terrible way, when Pilate mixed their blood with their sacrifices! (Luke 13:1-5). However, hearing this, Jesus’ reply is, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them, do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” vv.2-5. It’s interesting to note that Jesus doesn’t give the people an explanation on why the Galileans or those from Siloam, died in such terrible ways. Jesus says to the people that instead of trying to understand or to judge those to whom these terrible atrocities happened, the people should think about getting ready themselves for the time when they would have to face the LordIt’s interesting to note that Jesus doesn’t give the people an explanation on why the Galileans or those from Siloam, died in such terrible ways. Jesus says to the people that instead of trying to understand or to judge those to whom these terrible atrocities happened, the people should think about getting ready themselves for the time when they would have to face the Lord

Jesus’ response to the people then, is also applicable to us today. Yes, it seems almost impossible to think of cities crumbling by the power of the waves, quakes carrying the old and young to their deaths, as we have been witnessing on our TV screens recently, without been tempted to ask ‘why’? And although there is nothing intrinsically wrong in trying to make sense of things, we must accept the fact that there are things that happen in this life that from this side of eternity, we will never find a satisfactory explanation for. Ultimately, what we need to do is to look at our own lives, and make sure that we are acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8b). In other words, these events should instil the fear of God in us. In this way, we will make sure that we are ready to meet with the Lord, whenever He calls us to meet Him

Another thing that as Christians we need to bear in mind during such times is that whatever happens in this world, God is still in control, and He is still Sovereign over the whole world. With these thoughts in mind, let us think of Japan and its people during these incredibly difficult times they are going through. And as we grieve with them, let us continue to pray for Japan. They are also God’s creation and need His mercy today and always