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It is the greatest natural disaster in living memory and as I write, the death toll is still rising. It has passed 150,000 and I imagine it may exceed 250,000 when the full scale of this tragedy is known. Many will say “If there is a God, why did He let this terrible thing happen?”. The answer is not a simple one. But first, we must accept that God's ways are often beyond our understanding.
Isaiah 55:8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughtsSecondly, it is prophesied that such things will happen in the Last Days before Christ's Return to Earth. This may not seem like much of a consolation, especially to those who have lost loved ones, but it shows that God knows the end from the beginning:
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Mar 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.If you read all of these chapters, you will also see all the other “Signs of the Times” – click here for more information The Book of Revelation contains much symbolism, so care should be taken not to place too great a store on any particular interpretation – especially one that does not harmonise with the rest of Scripture. But the topic of earthquakes crops up again, such as in the following verses:
Rev 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Rev 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.It is an interesting fact that some islands in the area of the tsunami have moved by up to 120 feet and here we see a clear reference in Scripture stating that an earthquake can cause mountains and islands to move. We cannot say that this is a specific prophecy about the tsunami, but is shows the scientific accuracy of the Bible. Thirdly, we need to heed the warnings, while there is still time. It has been stated that if the Indian Ocean had an early warning system like the one on the Pacific, then many lives could have been saved. God has given many clear warnings about the fact that His Son, Jesus will return to the earth to establish the Kingdom of God and that the earth will be “re-created” to put right all the problems not being encountered.
Isa 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.I urge you to read the whole of chapter 3 of Peter's second letter, to see God's promises for yourself.
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.There is still time to flee to higher ground (on God's Holy Mountain). We may not be able to understand how such a great tragedy as the Tsunami fits into God's Ultimate Plan. Such things may be too great for human comprehension. But we can take some consolation from the fact that God IS in control. The Bible tells us to expect such things as the “times of the Gentiles” come to an end and ultimately, there is the promise of Everlasting Life in peace and security for all who listen to these warnings and take shelter in the sheepfold of God, under the protection of Jesus our Shepherd.
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