I believe in God the Father Almighty....

Yesterday I made a passing reference to the remarks of Pat Robertson in regard to the tragedy in Haiti. In that statement, I was more disturbed by public reaction to Robertson's remarks than by what he actually said. Although I don't agree with him theologically (especially his claim to "secret knowledge"), there were times when I thought similarly to him, and can (at a stretch) allow that his thoughts may be a somewhat biblical way of looking at the situation.

However, this morning comes a much clearer Biblical interpretation of this situation. A friend of mine who is at seminary posted a link to an article by one of his professors, which you can read here.

After making the case that God is neither impotent (the "He had nothing to do with this" position) nor indecisive (the "He didn't cause it, but He allowed it" dodge), the author comes to the conclusion that Almighty God, as we confess Him in the Creed, is behind it all. And we would do well to heed the words of Jesus in regard to the tragedy at Siloam, "Unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3-5)

Here are Rev. Pless's concluding thoughts:

"Unexplainable tragedies bring pain and chaos. God leaves the wound open, to use the words of Bayer. We cry out to God in lamentation in the face of events that defy our capacities for understanding. But the anguished lament ascends from the crucible of faith, not unbelief. It is a confession of trust in the God who works all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Living in repentance and faith, we are freed from the inward turn of speculation that seeks to investigate the hidden God. Instead, we trust in the kindness and mercy of God revealed in Christ Jesus.

With such a freedom, we are liberated to rely on God’s promises and turn our attention to works of mercy to bring compassion and relief to those who suffer in this sinful world. God does not give us explanations that will satisfy our nagging questions, but He does give us sure and certain promises of unflinching mercy and unfailing faithfulness in His Son handed over to death and raised again for our justification."