When a tragedy like the recent Haitian Earthquake occurs, a question begins to stir in the minds of many. Why must the innocent suffer?
The history of mankind has been bedeviled with natural catastrophes that have taken untold millions of lives. For example, just a few short years ago in 2004, the world stood in shock over the 9.3 magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake. It was the second largest earthquake in recorded history, triggering a tsunami which took the lives of at least 229,000 people.
In the wake of this and other similar upheavals of nature, many have pointed their finger at God, inferring His judgment was the cause. To that I ask, does God have a double standard, requiring of others what He will not uphold Himself?
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6.16-19)
Given God’s own abhorrence of the shedding of innocent blood, I think it’s fairly safe to say that when it is shed, His own Word absolves Him of any blame.
Some dare to argue against the innocence of those whose blood was shed by means of a natural disaster. So ridiculous is the thought that I hesitate to even mention it. Small accidents to major cataclysms indiscriminately befall people of all races, nationalities and religions. Still, some endeavor to puff themselves up declaring their own innocence over another’s.
It’s troubling to look upon the suffering of the innocent. It stirs one’s soul to look into the face of injustice. No good person would delight in another’s suffering. As for God, there’s only one time that He was pleased with the suffering of a man, and that being of His own incarnate self.
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief… He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied… for he shall bear their iniquities. (Is. 53.10-11 KJV)
His judgment for sin has already fallen upon the shoulders of one innocent man. As far as God’s concerned, all is paid. If bad things happen, it’s not at His hand. If judgment was His goal there would have been no need for Him to suffer.
In short, to know the Lord is to know that the heart of the Lord is mercy.
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Great article and much needed. Please tell everyone WHO it is that IS responsible for the suffering (for those who may not know) God gets such a ‘bad-rap’ because of a lack of knowledge.