When You Wonder, Go to the Cross.

​A reflection on the recent midwest tornadoes and how to help... from Pastor Tim & Pastor Matt

This past weekend, at least 27 tornadoes rolled over 200 miles through Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky. 

As we continue to learn about the massive destruction and loss of human life in places either foreign or familiar, it is normal to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions.

It is normal to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions.

First things, first.
There has been an incredible response of local church and first-responders to the needs of those directly affected by last weekend's tornadoes. From search and rescues to food and from comfort dogs to clean-up, people are being the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of tragedy.

We can first go to God in prayer. Ask Him that people's light would shine through relief efforts, simple words, and the presence of ordinary people coming together for help and healing. Why? So that all may see it and give glory to God (John 8:12).

Lutheran Church Charities is a national disaster relief organization. They have deployed people to assess damage for work, chainsaw, debris removal, and ministering to those in need through the local church.

If you would like to:

• learn more about these efforts
• how you might be able to participate, or
• make a financial donation to bring Jesus' mercy, compassion, and hope to hurting people

Go directly to Lutheran Church Charities at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. 

Want to Talk?
If you would like to talk to somebody, our ministry team and care ministers are here for you. Please reach out to the church office to schedule an appointment.

From search and rescues to food and from comfort dogs to clean-up, people are being the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of tragedy.

It is OK to ask questions and seek understanding. 
When horrific things happen, it is normal for us to seek understanding.

• “How could God allow this to happen?”
• “I know God made this happen, but I don’t know why.”
• “I’m angry with God, but trusting Him at the same time.”

In fact, an early church leader, Augustine says that faith seeks understanding. In other words, seeking understanding is not a demonstration of a lack of faith. In fact, it is the opposite. We seek to understand events that are out of our control and do not seem aligned to who we know God to be because we already have a relationship with God. That’s why circumstances like the recent tornados can stir up questions, doubts, and emotions. In a way, seeking to understand these events with God in mind is a clear demonstration of our faith in Jesus, not the lack of it. 

Into the Unknown.
Oftentimes, we feel the gap between what we know about God from the Scriptures, what we expect from God based on our relationship with Jesus, and our lived human experience.

When we are in this “gap”, we are in the unknown and therefore, seek understanding.

Let’s focus a moment on the three responses already shared (above).

When we are in this “gap”, we are in the unknown and therefore, seek understanding.

1. How could God allow this to happen?

God is described as both a Loving Creator and an Almighty Ruler of All Creation. The Philosopher, Aristotle would describe God as the Immovable Mover.

Let’s reframe the question. Who said that God allowed this to happen?

What if the tornadoes happened because everything on this side of heaven from humanity to creation is broken? And what if part of that brokenness is that weather wreaks havoc on people, places, and things? And just like we need to deal with our own human brokenness, we need to deal with the brokenness of weather patterns?

It’s not that God isn’t in control of all things and still doesn’t silent the winds and the rains… it’s that the nature of weather is broken. And just like we live in the “now and not yet”, simultaneously completely broken and completely forgiven, our weather is also in a “now and not yet” reality - simultaneously producing destructive storms and restorative precipitation and sunshine to nourish creation.

We can be confident of one thing: there are no tornadoes, death, or destruction in heaven.

Who said that God allowed this to happen?

2. I know God allowed this to happen, but I don’t know why. 

For all the modern world’s research, science, and advancements, our human understanding of God remains extremely limited. These tools are great gifts and do an amazing job of describing how situations, phenomena, and wonders of our world occur. However, they rarely satisfy our curiosity to understand “why”.  

We are reminded of Paul writing to the church in Corinth about a “thorn in his side” that God allowed and didn’t remove despite him pleading multiple times. The oft-quoted words God spoke to Paul - “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) - remind us of important truths when facing trials, evil, and brokenness.

• God’s grace is enough for me at all times.
• I don’t have to fully understand something for it to be true and trustworthy.
• With God, redemption always gets the last word. 

For all the modern world’s research, science, and advancements, our human understanding of God remains extremely limited.

3. I’m angry at God, but trusting Him at the same time. 

The anger is real. As people shaped by the Western American value of personal responsibility, we can be honest and admit that we tend to look for somebody to blame because the one who causes the inconvenience, pain, and suffering is also responsible to fix it. 

It’s fair to ask the question, “who is to blame?”. So, let’s listen to Jesus’ answer… His answer is always better than our own.

Jesus had someone ask him who is responsible for a man’s inconvenience, pain, and suffering? Because whoever it is, they’re responsible to fix it.

Jesus’ response: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:3-5). 

In other words, there is no blame. Instead, look for Jesus. ​

Let’s listen to Jesus’ answer… His answer is always better than our own.

The Best Place to Be is With Jesus.
When disaster strikes - whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we want clarity. What is wrong? How do we make it right - right now.

Martin Luther says it best, “When you look around and wonder whether God cares, you must always hurry to the cross and you must see Him there.” Jesus is always in the middle of pain and suffering. 

At the cross, Jesus righted the wrongs for all times, in all places, for all people.

If we want to know where Jesus is working, look for pain and suffering. 

If we want to join Jesus on His mission, look for pain and suffering.

In these moments:

• Give away what God has given you to give.
• Love with the love God has given you to love.

And by doing so, you let your light shine so that people will see your good deeds and join you in giving glory to God (John 8:12).

When you look around and wonder whether God cares, you must always hurry to the cross and you must see Him there.

How Can I Help?
Lutheran Church Charities, a national disaster relief organization, will be deploying to assess damage for work, chainsaw, debris removal, and ministering to those in need through the local church.
 
Additionally, Lutheran Church Charities have deployed comfort dogs and ministers to the Edwardsville, Illinois area. They will be helping create a safe and spiritual environment for the communities affected by the damaged Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, to share love and compassion to the victims, and assist in helping first responders process their grief.

You can help by making a donation directly to Lutheran Church Charities at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. 
 
You can also pray for the families affected by the tornadoes to experience the unconditional love of Jesus through the hands, feet, and voices of ordinary people.

And seriously… We are always here for you if you want to talk.

Love you much. 
Pastor Tim and Pastor Matt