In the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, the late Jerry Falwell carelessly responded in a broadcast on the Christian television program "The 700 Club,"
I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"Is suffering and tragedy a result of God's judgment on the morality of the people as Falwell would suggest? Falwell's statement grossly misses the mark both historically, in its assumption of American history, and theologically, in its presentation of a God who only cares about morality as defined by the rhetoric of the Christian right. The Scripture however does record God inflicts tragedy and suffering as a means of judgment (Genesis 19). Yet, when people asked Jesus in Luke 13:1 as to whether a tragedy that had occurred in their region was God's judgment, Christ responds by explaining that those who had died in the tragedy were no worse than others in the same community who had not perished and that ultimately the most important thing was for all to repent.
All tragedy and suffering here on earth are a result of the fall. Most tragedy however is not the result of judgment, but instead that God's glory might be displayed (John 9:3). God is sovereign, nothing happens without his permission, and God will always use tragedy and tragedy as well as blessing for His glory.
Ways in which God is glorified through tragedy and suffering:
Tragedy and Suffering Awaken One's Heart to God
C.S. Lewis in the Problem of Pain wrote that, “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Suffering and tragedy break us out of our mode of self-compliancy so that we see our need for Christ.
Tragedy and Suffering Uncovers Our Idols
Suffering and tragedy reveal what or in whom we find our joy and purpose. Through tragedy and suffering many realize that that they worship things and relationships rather than the Creator and Giver of Life.
Tragedy and Suffering Breaks Our Pride
Suffering and tragedy humbles us by reminding us that we are not in control.
Tragedy and Suffering Deepens Our Trust in God
Suffering and tragedy strip our idols away so that we realize God is the only one we can truly rely on.
Tragedy and Suffering Help Us Find Our Sufficiency in Christ
Through suffering and tragedy, we begins to realize that finding our sufficiency in anything but Christ is foolhardy and ridiculous, for Christ is the only one who is both unchanging and fully sufficient.
Tragedy and Suffering Helps Us Long for the Completion of Our Redemption
The brokenness of creation is never more apparent than in times of suffering and tragedy. Through these times we can join with creation and expectantly groan to be set free from our bondage and decay that we might obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God (Romans 8:20-22).
Tragedy and Suffering Creates an Eternal Perspective
Suffering and tragedy help remind us of our need to set our eyes on, "things above (Colossians 3:1-4)" as we wait for God to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
For those who do not live in Japan, the tragedies that struck its people are quickly forgotten. Yet our own opportunity to deal with tragedy and suffering in a biblical manner abounds as our lives are daily affected by the rise of Devils Lake. May we find rest and joy in God' sovereignty amidst our own tragedies and suffering as we join with creation in longing for the completion of our redemption.
