Tsunami in Japan - 2011 Tragedies.

As you watch the above footage, you will eventually see the waves and water move in and take everything in its path. On March 11, 2011, Japan was devastated by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake, which unleashed a 13 foot tsunami. At the time of writing this devotional, it is estimated that 1,000 people have died. (Later addition: We now know the numbers of deceased are now over 10,000).

In New Zealand, a recent earthquake took lives and traumatised others.

In Australia, Cyclones hit Queensland and massive floods took lives and homes.

Just when Queenslanders thought they could try and get their lives back together again, there are now more floods.

It is so sad to see and hear of all the losses experienced in these tragedies. Loss of homes, loss of goods, loss of family photos and heirlooms, loss of everything you have or have ever had ...and then the loss of life. Losing life in such a way, seems so cruel and so meaningless. It reminds me of how vulnerable we all are. While man feels he is the ultimate being, he cannot control nature and the elements.

 “Meaningless! Meaningless!”
   says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
   Everything is meaningless.”
What do people gain from all their labors
   at which they toil under the sun? - Ecclesiastes 1:2,3.


At times, the word "meaningless" comes into my mind as well as this bible verse.We work hard and strive to have all these things, and then in moments... it can be gone!

These tragedies remind me:-

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.- Matthew 6:19,20.

What is also upsetting in these circumstances is the fact that people would steal during another's darkest hour, when their victims are at their lowest. 

"Ten people have been arrested in Queensland after allegedly being caught looting from flood-affected homes, boats and businesses."   Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ten-arrested-for-looting-during-floods-in-queensland/story-e6frfku0-1225987851162#ixzz1GOrF9AdW  

One would like to think that we would all help each other out. And there are fantastic stories of people assisting, donating time and money, and even giving up their own lives. 

This is the "hope" amongst all the devastation. There is still a lot of good in the world and a lot of good people.

On ending my devotional, I must confess that I do not know why God allows these things to happen. Sometimes I battle with this, and it depresses me at times. I do not have the answer ... but I do know that we need not be surprised that tragedies occur, even though we don't understand it.

Jesus said:“Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.  You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.- Matthew 24:4-8.

There are a lot of religious groups saying that it is the end times.

 It might be... but the Bible says:-

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. " - Matthew 24:36. 

I don't believe that God wants us to live in fear but I do believe that God wants us to be aware.

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. ... So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."- Matthew 24:42,44.

Whether it is the last days or not, is not the message here. The message is ...to have your life right with God because personal tragedy can occur at any time. We are also reminded of how much people matter over things.We are reminded of the vulnerabilities of the human condition and how we need to pray, love and help each other ... and with God's help, be a hope and a future.

Written sincerely with respect to all victims of the mentioned tragedies. My heart goes out to all those in Japan, NZ and Queensland ... also those who suffered loss in the recent fires in Western Australia. I can only guess at the agony you must feel.


Jenteelability.  http://devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com