Haiti

Since the disastrous earthquake in Haiti we have seen lots of compassion and generosity from both the secular and Christian communities.  What concerns me though is something that is only evident in the Christian community.  Although I have only heard it from a very small number of Christians, it seems that some are comparing Haiti to Sodom and Gomorrah, saying that God sent the earthquake to destroy a sinful nation.  

For me there are several issues with this assessment.  First even in Sodom and Gomorrah, which was in the old testament and in the time of God’s wrath, a prophet was sent to seek out at least one person who was found righteous.  And if one person had been found God would have turned away his wrath and would not have destroyed it.  In Haiti there are countless numbers of Christians and missionaries, many of whom were killed in the disaster.  The other issue is that we are in a time of God’s grace not of His wrath.  

When I think about Haiti the scripture that comes to mind is in 1 Kings when Elijah is waiting for the Lord to pass by.  He is not in the disaster, but in the gentle whisper.  I personally believe the same about Haiti.  I don’t blame God for the destruction.  I credit him for the outpouring of love that has come in response to the destruction.  That help and love that comes like a gentle whisper healing bodies and hearts.  The awesome part of this is that we can be a part of that gentle whisper.  Giving financially, going, and praying that the Lord’s peace that surpasses all understanding will be ever present.  

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”  Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.  Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

1 Kings 19:11-13