Bible: Why God "lets it happen"
>> Saturday, June 23, 2007
People observe what goes on in the world, what goes on in America, and if they're of Christian persuasion they soon arrive at the question as to why YHWH would allow such horrible things to go on in the world. Namely, we see atrocities such as the 9/11 attacks, widespread school shootings, and all other sorts of crazy things. This is a question that is easy to answer, but the answer is simply one that is difficult to accept. It might be easier to understand if taken from a different perspective, however.
We as Christians are fairly knowledgeable that our God has the power to affect countries whichever way He pleases. It should go without arguing that He has the power to do whatever He pleases in any situation. We also readily accept that YHWH may very well punish some other heathen peoples for not observing His ways; He has done it all so many times throughout history and it makes perfect sense. Knowing this, would you move your family to one of these countries and expect YHWH to change that country just for you? Although it may be argued that as YHWH has watched over single families, even indeed specific individuals, in the midst of an ungodly nation, you would NOT purposefully tempt YHWH by knowingly placing your family in a troubled land.
On the other hand, what if that country moves to you? It's not as strange as it sounds; it is not the physical location of the country which YHWH is angered by, but the actions of the people who live within it. And in that light, if there were massive waves of immigration from a heathen country to a godly one, it can only be expected that the blessings or curses for the country will parallel the actions of the population. Would that the immigrants converted to the ways of the Godly, but sadly and more often it is the other way around.
As is and has been the case for America. The priests and rulers, and yes even the average family in America have long been following the ungodly, rather than the other way around. And it looks like there's no stopping it. The most cursory glance at the headlines today shows the following news:
In the article, "NYC Has Reason to Celebrate Gay Pride," on Yahoo.com we find the quote: "We are now more sure than ever that New York will do the equal and just thing," said Cathy Marino-Thomas, co-executive director of Marriage Equality New York, a group that promotes legalizing gay marriage.
The media is also pushing articles about the election, saying that even though Hillary Clinton (as she is now changing her name) is the most disliked candidate, she's also the most likely to win. This is insanity for Christians because she is easily one of the most anti-Christian candidates possible.
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But this is the way it has been. When a country turns against YHWH, it becomes a vicious circle, and evil leaders take over thus driving the country further away. It's as if on the whole, a country has to be driven to destruction before it will return to Him.
In Nehemiah 9:34-37 we see a similar historical account: 34 Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fathers did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the warnings you gave them. 35 Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways. 36 "But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. 37 Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.
The reasons for this distress are shown in Judges 3:4 4 They [the tyrannical rulers] were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses.
It's all very simple, but people don't want to accept it because they believe they are not part of the problem. It's not an easy thing to accept, but we must realize our errors and turn to Him whenever possible.
