Anil Nag, a friend who lives in India, called several days after the tsunami struck the southern part of that nation. “Three of our brethren were killed and thirty-four are still missing”, he shared. “Please pray for us… and pray I will know how to comfort the Christians here.”
What should this heartbroken pastor say to our brothers and sisters whose world has just been turned upside down? Amongst the multitude of voices, can we discern Jesus’ words of grace and truth?
“You, My children, are prepared for this. All My sheep who died in the storm are safe with Me now. I know the deep sorrow in your hearts, but you need not grieve as the world grieves. You will be reunited one day. The false gods of your land only offer false hope. I am the only solid ground. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no storm can separate you from Me. Take courage! In this world you will have trouble, but I have overcome the world! You have a message to share with those that have no hope. Some will listen; some will not. Some will hate God for what has happened, but My Father is withholding the end so more can be saved. Unless the lost repent, they all shall perish. My Kingdom is not of this world. This earth is not going to last forever! Lift up your eyes to Me. Trust God when all seems hopeless. I am with you.”
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him.” II Peter 3:1-14