Needs and Obligation

Like everyone, my mind has drifted back and forth today between my mundane moments to the catastrophic events going on on an island far away. I am glad for my sister-in-law's timing of asking for Charity: Water donations for her recent birthday because they are one of the groups fighting to keep people alive and that money is already being put to work. But is that enough? Of course not. I'm still processing how I can help from here with the budget I have.

Today I read a little about the authority of God. He does have the authority to do whatever he wants. Like it says in Isaiah 46:9-10 "Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God and no one is like Me. I declare the end from the beginning, and for long ago what is not yet done, saying My plan will take place, and I will do all My will." So what does this all-powerful God will? Look at the next verses, "Listen to me, you hardhearted, far removed from justice: I am bringing My justice near; it is not far away, and my salvation will not delay. I will put salvation in Zion, my splendor in Israel."

God is a God of justice and salvation. Yes, we live in a world where catastrophic things happen. There is lack and pain. But God's actions in this world (in scripture) always have the goal of drawing people's attention to himself, to heal and reconcile in the end. He does His will and he never acts outside of his character even when we don't understand how it will work together. This all comes to a potent point when Jesus died to take on the curses that bound us and He overcame the sting of death by His resurrection. That's why we should always be among the first people to get out there to help and protect those who are hurting. We are his healing hands on this earth with God's Spirit in us. Clearly we are failing to be obedient - maybe we are just fooling ourselves to say we are Jesus' followers at all. At least when we see horrible things on our TVs or computer monitors we remember than our mundane lives could be different. We could step out and make sure that this world is more just and healthy because those who claim to have a relationship with God also act like it.