No one could have known that today would end in tragedy for the two who lost their lives and the over one hundred reported injured in the Boston Marathon. Runners train for months for this race. How would they ever know that it would be their last? So far no one has a clue if these explosions were an act of organized terrorism or who was responsible. Plenty of theories are circling the internet but nothing conclusive. When we as a nation experience shock like this we often times react in anger trying to find that person or group responsible, but what if we never get these answers? I know many people who would ask God why would He allow such tragedy to happen to us. The anger often times gets directed at God and many in their search for answers walk far away from God.
Today I would like to offer those who are seeking the Why question from God not necessarily a black and white answer but more of a challenge to think about. I offer this, that God feels tragedy and suffering just as we do and He hurts when He sees injustice and destruction. It is the great mystery of freewill that gives people the ability to both love and hurt people. We can logically come to the conclusion that somebody made the explosions and somebody somehow justified their actions today. Meanwhile the truth is God knew and could have intervened and taken away that person’s freewill to make that terrible choice. Today, God allowed freewill to take its course. Why?
Sin, the same reason we seek out our own desires instead of God’s. Sin comes in many forms and every form leads to death, destruction, and human suffering. The problem is that we try to solve the sin in our lives on our own. We deny it, hide it, point at greater sinners to try and justify ourselves. In the end there is no human way to stop sin. But, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world (from sin) through him” (John 3:16-17).
The Bible is clear about God’s plan of dealing with sin once and for all. Sin has been put to death through Jesus the Jewish messiah who is God in flesh. Until this world understands that and accepts the only cure available for sin we will all suffer from our own freewill and rebellion. Until Jesus returns to bring judgment we will all live in a world that is falling apart. Know this and remember that God knows and feels our hurt and has made a way for us to endure pain. When we surrender our lives to Jesus the Spirit of God comes and brings us new life. We have a future hope that allows us to endure all things in Messiah.
So if you are asking “Why?” today, Jesus endured death on cross and destroyed sin and death making a way to God. He knows what you are feeling it and is waiting for you to allow Him to work in your life, heal your wounds, and give you a new life that can endure all things. So why not let Him? Why not right now? Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Be Blessed Sean Trank
