The Light Newsletter, January 17, 2010, David Hino

In the past, some Christians have implied that God’s judgment was involved in the tsunami of 2004 that killed over 200,000 and in Hurricane Katrina that destroyed New Orleans.  I just heard a national Christian leader state that Haiti had a pact with Satan and therefore cursed; and this implied that the recent earthquake is God’s judgment.

Even though Haiti may be a nation with strong beliefs in voodoo, the Christian church is alive and growing.  Since the 1970’s, thousands have become Christians.  For years, many Christian organizations from the United States have had medical and other humanitarian outreaches to Haiti.  There are 79 Free Methodist churches in Haiti with over 14,000 members.  Free Methodist Bishop David Roller reported speaking to a gathering of 2,000 Free Methodists the Sunday prior to the earthquake on the subject of resurrection.  It is quite possible that some at that church service heard their last sermon on earth.  As I write this, it has been reported that at least three Free Methodist missionaries have lost their lives.

I personally do not believe that God wants to kill people via earthquakes, tsunamis or hurricanes.  I believe that God wants to save people.  We must be careful in making prophetic declarations or spiritual conclusions to a particular national disaster.  Such statements usually show a lack of wisdom and insensitivity when people are dying.  Donald Miller writes a strong response to the national Christian leader that I mentioned earlier.

I have also heard of criticism when Christians ask for prayer regarding the earthquake.  Some people believe that prayer is worthless.  One critic said that Christians should stop talking about praying and start digging for survivors.  I would respond that we should pray and dig at the same time.

Examining what the Bible says about earthquakes may leave us with more questions than answers. 

Bible and Earthquakes

1. As judgment from God.  Numbers 16:31-32
2. To scare the enemy away.  I Sam. 14:15
3. Sign of worship.  Exodus 19:18
4. Earthquakes mark seasons of time.  Amos 1:1; Zech. 14:5
5. Helped release Paul from prison.  Acts 16:26
6. God is not always in earthquakes.  I Kings 19:11
7. God is sometimes involved in earthquakes. Luke 8:25; Psalm 104:32; 147: 15-18;
8. At Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, there was an earthquake.  Matt. 27:50-54; Matt. 28:2
9. The end times will see an increase of earthquakes.  Matt. 24:7; Is. 2:19-21; Ezek. 38:19-23; Rev. 6:15-17; Rev. 16:17-21

Personal Application

1. In the Bible, earthquakes occur for various reasons and many have no connection to judgment.
2. Christians are not immune from the destructive forces of nature.  Matthew 24
3. Natural disasters remind us of our human frailties and therefore, our dependence on God
4. The threat of death through natural disasters reminds us of the precious gift of physical life and the opportunity of eternal life in Jesus.  John 3:16
5. We must accept from science and the Bible that natural disasters will continue.
6. Christians have the opportunity to intercede in prayer against the forces of nature and pray for others.  Mark 4:35-41; Genesis 18:16-33; II Peter 3:3-9
7. Christians are to respond with “holy” lives when we are faced with natural disasters.  II Peter 3:8-14
8. We can not understand everything.  Deut. 29:29; I Cor. 13:12
9. God is in control even if we don’t understand.  Psalm 46

For years, Haiti has been filled with many missionaries who have been working to bring help to one of the poorest countries in the world.  I have heard many recent reports that these same missionaries are on the frontlines doing extraordinary work to those who are suffering.  It is not always important to answer “why” this happen; this is a time to help.