Where was God?

Where was God?

Concerning the December 9, 2007, shootings at the Christian mission organization (YWAM) and the church in Colorado, a person on a local blog wrote, “Why did God wait until the shooter had killed two innocent people to act?”

People routinely seem to demand an accounting from God when they suffer tragedy or severe difficulty in their lives. It’s a legitimate question (even if somewhat shortsighted), and the Bible provides good direction and insight in response.

The first several verses of the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke deal with a very similar incident when Jesus was being questioned about an evil event involving some Galileans. They were murdered by Pilate while they were worshiping (making sacrifices to God). Those with Jesus seemed shocked and questioned, if God could indeed intervene, why did he allow the killings to take place—particularly in light of the fact they were engaged in worship. Jesus’ response was straightforward and vitally re-orienting. He said, “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 all perish.”

What Jesus communicated was this: Don’t be shocked that they died; be shocked that you didn’t. There is evil and sin in the world, and evil and sin always bring death. Because all have sinned and rebelled against God, all deserve death. It is only because he extends his grace and mercy that any of us are given another day. And his grace, mercy and kindness are not without purpose; they call us to repent of our own sin and wickedness and submit to God.

In this same encounter with Jesus, he also addresses a local disaster in which a tower fell or collapsed and killed eighteen people. It could be compared to the bridge collapse in Minnesota a few months ago. People were going about their normal routine and, without warning, their lives were snuffed out. Evidently, some thought these people were more sinful than others, or were engaged in some secret sin that God judged publicly. But in an even more pointed way than the murder of the Galileans, Jesus makes it clear that all are sinners and all merit the judgment of death because of their rebellion against God. Jesus replied, “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.”

Do you want something to astound and astonish you? According to Jesus, we should all be astounded that we have one more breath, because our sin already testifies against us that we long ago should have been judged and found guilty with a death sentence being imposed. In light of that, we should be astonished by God’s amazing grace that demonstrates his patience and love, calling us to return to him. We are not to presume upon his grace, nor is his grace without limit. Unless Jesus returns first, we will all die physically, just as the Galileans and those in the tower at Siloam. More importantly, though, those who refuse to respond to God will perish eternally. Jesus’ words remain: “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

But a brilliant beam of light, love and grace pierces the darkness of death, and it is especially easy to see at this time of year. In December, we remember the time when God, not desiring that any should perish but all should come to repentance, sent his Son Jesus into the world. He gave, so that whoever believes in Jesus should not perish, but have eternal life. When the angel revealed God’s plan to Joseph, he told Joseph to name the baby Jesus (which means, “the Lord saves”), because he shall save his people from their sin.

Let everyone be silent and astounded at God’s redemptive, amazing grace!