Recent events in Israel and Gaza have caused Christians around the world to be outraged, shocked and deeply concerned. It can be difficult to know what to think or how to find peace in the midst of such tragic death, loss, and suffering. Thankfully, God’s word gives insight into how believers can respond.
The best place to start is by trusting in the character of God. He is all-knowing. He was not surprised by these events (Isaiah 46:9-10). He is all-powerful. He is able to work all things together for His eternal purposes (Romans 8:28). He is always present. Even in the midst of terrorism and war, God is working to show people their sin and to draw people to himself (Rom. 8:29-30).
When I think about God’s character, I am comforted knowing that in his sovereignty he is able to bring his good plan to completion, even in the midst of the greatest atrocities of history. This is seen most clearly in how God the Father was able to save the lost through the death of his Son, Jesus Christ. Who else could imagine using the death of one to bring spiritual life to so many? If God was able to use the death of Christ to save sinners, I know he is able to work through even the worst tragedies for his good.
The character of God is easy to forget in the midst of the horrific images and heart-breaking stories from these tragic events. As Christians, we struggle with the harsh reality of living in a fallen world, but we do not have to live in despair. Our hearts break when we hear of tragedy and loss, but we do not grieve without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Jesus warned his disciples about coming difficulties. Jesus said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Matthew 24:6-8)
Jesus gave that warning so his believers would not lose heart during difficulty and persecution. He did not want them losing hope. He wanted them to look to the future, to realize that God has a plan for his people and that God would see it through. In Matthew 25 Jesus comforted his disciples by telling them that there would be a day of judgment when all sin and corruption would be dealt with by God. Jesus taught his followers that the wicked would be judged with eternal punishment and that the righteous would receive eternal life.
Another passage that is helpful in times of tragedy is found in Luke 13:1-5. This is when Jesus was asked to address a tragic event that had recently taken place. The passage says, “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (English Standard Version)
Jesus addressed two tragedies that had occurred. The first was a horrifying act by Pilate, who was the local Roman ruler at that time. The second event was a disturbing accident where eighteen innocent people died. Jesus must have surprised those present because instead of focusing on the suffering of those who had died, he focused on the living and their need to be made right with God. This is fascinating to me because Jesus was aware of the pain and sorrow (Hebrews 4:15), but he was wanted his audience to think about the events from a spiritual perspective.
The spiritual reality that Jesus Christ taught was that whenever there is death and suffering people need to consider their own spiritual relationship with God. People need to ask if they have repented of their sins and committed their life to God. Jesus did not want people to become so incensed by the atrocity that they forgot to consider their own standing with God.
This is incredibly helpful for Christians to consider. When tragedy strikes we are to reflect on our own standing with God. Are we ready to die? Have we repented of our sins and trusted in the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross? This is so important. We should not jump over this question because it is the question Jesus posed to those who were trying to make sense of the events of the day.
This does not mean we minimize the suffering and horrible pain of tragic events. It does mean that we learn to look at these events from a spiritual perspective. We need to pray that there will be justice. We need to pray that people would consider their own souls and make sure they are right with God. We need to pray that there would be peace, on a political level, but more importantly we need to pray that people would find peace for their souls, through the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
