Creation Cries Out for It's Creator Too

Life can be hard, there is no doubt about that.  There are days when we have to ask ourselves, “When will you return God?  When will the suffering end?”  As I looked at the devastation caused by the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa and Joplin I am reminded that it is not only us that cry out for our Savior.  Even creation cries out for  redemption…

Romans 8:22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Over the past several years there has been a lot of speculation as to the cause of global warming and what to do about it.  There has been conversation about the effects and perhaps we are seeing some of that.  

            The other day I was having a conversation with Mom, who lives in California.  Seeing the effects of a tornado, Mom said, “I’ll take an earthquake any day!”  No matter where we live creation cries out.  Some have tornadoes, some have earthquakes, others have volcanoes or tsunamis.  No matter where we go creation is crying out just as we are.  

            So what does it mean for us?  How do we respond?  God calls us, as the Church, to be an extension of his love and grace.  Too often we get stuck trying to explain the unexplainable.  I cannot explain to you why natural disasters occur other than what I just explained earlier, creation is crying out for a Savior.  It is the fallenness of creation.  But I do know how God calls us to respond….

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Ephesians 6:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

We can respond, first of all, in empathy and pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering through loss during these times.   Perhaps God has asked you to give or even go and help during these times.  We should always be listening for what God is asking us to do. 

            Harold Camping may have got the date wrong of the Lord’s return but it is still eminent.  Until he returns we will see all of creation crying out, that includes the destructive forces of nature.  I don’t know if I prefer an earthquake to a tornado, frankly they both seem terrifying.  Seeing these natural forces makes me realize how powerful God is and how powerless I am.   So where is the hope in all of this?  The hope is in what is yet to be seen.  Creation cries out, we cry out and God answered.  He answered by sending Jesus and redeeming us, and one day all of this will be redeemed as well and we will see the new heaven and the new earth.  That is where our hope lies, in Jesus Christ.  Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly