By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
That is the question that strikes us every time a major disaster occurs.
“Where is God?”
Ironically, those who do not believe in God should not even ask the question. For them—all that happens is just ‘random’ randomness which means then that there is no reason. When was the last time you heard an atheist speak at a time of great crisis?
It is ironic, perhaps—even Jesus wondered “where is God?”
How many Good Friday services have you heard about the 7 last sayings of Jesus from the cross? Quoting from Psalm 22—Jesus cries out: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” When you look at Psalm 22 you find the feeling David had of his prayers not being heard. For Jesus—it was the feeling that God the Father had turned His back on the Son.
Where is God?
Right now—this world-wide event pales in comparison with other events in human history. We ARE inconvenienced at least and there IS life and death for some. But read history about the plagues that have swept over human history. Read about the Holocaust and the killing of millions in the Soviet Union and China. Read what the Romans did to Christians and Jews in the first centuries.
Think how often people have wondered where God was in the middle of pain and suffering.
Guess what? That has been an age-old question that can legitimately be asked only by His own.
In Philip Yancey’s book, The Question that Never Goes Away, he cites the following:
Gideon: “If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?”
Job: “though I cry, violence, I get no response, though I call for help, there is no justice.”
Psalms: “awake, LORD! Why do You sleep! Rouse Yourself!”
Isaiah: “truly you are a God who has been hiding himself.”
Jeremiah: “why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save?”
For those who are His own—we know that He is with us.
For those who are His own—we know He has not abandoned us.
For those who are His own—we know that He WILL redeem all.
Perhaps not in our lifetime and perhaps not in a way we will see it.
But this week, above all weeks—reminds us that God IS RIGHT HERE.
His ways are not our ways and His deeds are not always understood by us.
As His children, there ARE times we may wonder ‘where is God?’
But remember—He answered that question through the coming of Jesus showing us His presence.