Sharing Hope In The Face Of Destruction

"Today's Devotion" For September 2, 2005

Read: Psalm 46; Romans 8:31-39

SHARING HOPE IN THE FACE OF DEVASTATION

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." (Ps. 46:1-3)

The scenes of the massive destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina fill the television screen. Water is everywhere. Debris is scattered. Once tall, proud buildings lie spread out across the landscape, many with only their foundations to show their original locations. We're told the death toll is yet to be determined as so many people tried to ride out the storm and were lost in the devastation. Disease is imminent. As a city, New Orleans, Louisiana exists only on paper and in the hearts of its surviving citizens. As one commentator put it, this devastation marks the first time he's ever seen the complete destruction of an American city.

As if this devastation and the loss of life wasn't enough to occupy the authorities, another tragedy struck in Katrina's aftermath. According to the news reports, anarchy seems to be the order of the day in the "streets" of New Orleans. Rapes and murders are happening in great proportion and with relative impunity. People are walking the streets, looting and pillaging, interfering with the safety of securtiy of others while carrying automatic weapons and a willingness to use them to accomplish their evil intentions. One news report noted that the airlift to move people from the Superdome had to be suspended because someone had opened fire on a National Guard helicopter - some reports said a Guardsman had been wounded. As a result of this violence and anarchistic behavior, search and rescue operations had to be suspended - which could lead to even greater loss of life - so that police could return to patrolling the streets and dealing with crime.

Wouldn't you think that in the midst of such devastation, people would want to be on their best behavior? Yet, when order is disrupted evil seeks its freedom. The results are showing themselves on television screens across America. We're seeing the seedy underbelly of our human existence exposed, not half a world away in some "backwater" nation, but right at home, in our own backyard, in our own nation, among our "own" people. As we're listening to the commentators and reporters sharing the details of this behavior, we're hearing both outrage and surprise. Our "romantic notion" that when things get tough and people's lives are on the line, even the most hardened of criminals will "do what's right" is being vigorously challenged. Yet, as God so clearly tells us in His Word, it's not fallen humanity's nature to do what's right toward others, but to act selfishly, concerned only for our own needs (cf. Cain and Abel, Gen. 4). In short, while people seem to be surprised, shocked, and, yes, rightly, dismayed over the lawlessness being exhibited in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, God is not surprised. That's why He sent Jesus to redeem the world from Sin, Death, and Satan.

What wonderful comfort God's Word brings in the midst of such devastation and despair. The Psalms are replete with praises to God for His deliverance from the enemies of His people and the magnificence of His power and love. The Prophets not only declare God's wrath toward sin, but His marvelous grace and mercy for all who repent. In the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ humanity has been redeemed from Sin and the doors of heaven opened for all who repent and believe in Him. God's assurance to us is that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8). Give thanks today that you weren't in New Orleans when Katrina hit. Give thanks today that so many people got out alive. Give thanks today for those who have pitched in with money, supplies, food, shelter, and have even risked their own lives to bring others to safety. Pray today for the continuing rescue and humanitarian efforts to bring order to a place of incredible devastation. Pray today that God's love might be revealed and shared with many in need that they might be comforted and hope renewed. Above all, give thanks because in the midst of destruction and despair God's love brings hope and peace - and pray for those bringing that message in word and deed to those in need.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that I'm not in the midst of the devastation caused by the hurricane. Yet my heart bleeds for those suffering in its aftermath. Father, bless the search and rescue efforts and keep safe those who are risking their lives to save others. Be with the police and military who have been called upon to restore order. Give them the courage and wisdom to bring a stop to the crime, violence, and lawlessness of the situation. Father, I pray that You would bring out the best of Your storehouse of blessings to those in need of food, clothing, shelter, and, above all, security and safety in the face of the destruction. Be with those who minister to their physical and spiritual needs that they might again have hope and be at peace. Restore order and life to a people who have been thrust into the face of death. I pray this in the name of the One Who restores life and hope in the face of death and despair, even Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.