Advent Tornados
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. Romans 8:20-22
This past weekend a total of 13 tornados ripped through 11 TN counties causing catastrophic damage, destruction, and sadly 6 fatalities. These storms passed by our small town, both to the north and to the south. While we are thankful that Portland was spared, we certainly mourn with our neighbors who have suffered the loss of property and the loss of life. These events are difficult enough by themselves, but with Christmas just two weeks away I imagine that another layer of stress is added to the already chaotic circumstances. So, we pray – we help – we donate – and we pray some more.
Tornados, hurricanes, mudslides, tsunamis – These events are often called ‘natural disasters,’ nothing more than mother nature in a bad mood. Yet, Scripture takes us beyond the nihilistic view of ‘mother nature.’ The Bible describes the earth as “subjected to futility,” “in bondage and corruption,” and “groaning” for new creation. Why? Because we read in Genesis 3 that the earth has been subjected to the curse because of sin: “…Cursed is the ground because of you, [Adam]; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you…”(Gen 3:17-18). So, these natural disasters are in reality a consequence of the curse, the meteorological outworking of corruption and depravity. Sometimes, natural disasters can be an act of judgement (cf. Gen 6:17, Jonah 1:4, etc.). But more often than not, these things occur as a natural consequence of living in a fallen, depraved, and cursed world.
So, why does God allow these things to occur? Well, that’s the real question isn’t it? And no, we can’t blame everything on the devil (as tempting as that may be). The short answer is that God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves. Whatever the storm or natural disaster, God can and will providentially work through it for his glory. John Piper famously wrote, “[God] has hundreds of thousands of purposes, most of which will remain hidden to us until we are able to grasp them at the end of the age.” I can’t give a single answer for why God providentially allowed tornados to slam Hendersonville, Madison, Clarksville, and Springfield. But, instead of becoming angry or blaming God for natural disasters, we are encouraged to run to him when disasters occur: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Ps 46:1-3). God has promised to the preserve the earth until the time of the end (Gen 8:22). But, the earth still groans under the curse – every landslide, typhoon, tornado, earthquake, and volcano eruption is the groaning of the earth for Christ to come and set things right. As we celebrate Advent, as we long for King Jesus, these tornados remind us that so too the earth is anxiously awaiting her glorious redemption.
To those who have suffered through these storms, know that Christ weeps with you. These disasters are not ‘natural’ to God’s original design. One day, we will not need to fear the dark clouds or strong winds. The New Heavens and New Earth will be a paradise delivered from the curse – it will be a glorified earth made for glorified bodies. Until then, we pick up the broken pieces of our lives, knowing that this isn’t all there is. We walk through the debris fields praying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ Advent takes on a different feeling when all is not ‘jolly and bright.’ So, pray – groan with the earth this Advent season. One day we will be delivered from the curse… and that will be a glorious day.
Love you all,
Matthew
This past weekend a total of 13 tornados ripped through 11 TN counties causing catastrophic damage, destruction, and sadly 6 fatalities. These storms passed by our small town, both to the north and to the south. While we are thankful that Portland was spared, we certainly mourn with our neighbors who have suffered the loss of property and the loss of life. These events are difficult enough by themselves, but with Christmas just two weeks away I imagine that another layer of stress is added to the already chaotic circumstances. So, we pray – we help – we donate – and we pray some more.
Tornados, hurricanes, mudslides, tsunamis – These events are often called ‘natural disasters,’ nothing more than mother nature in a bad mood. Yet, Scripture takes us beyond the nihilistic view of ‘mother nature.’ The Bible describes the earth as “subjected to futility,” “in bondage and corruption,” and “groaning” for new creation. Why? Because we read in Genesis 3 that the earth has been subjected to the curse because of sin: “…Cursed is the ground because of you, [Adam]; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you…”(Gen 3:17-18). So, these natural disasters are in reality a consequence of the curse, the meteorological outworking of corruption and depravity. Sometimes, natural disasters can be an act of judgement (cf. Gen 6:17, Jonah 1:4, etc.). But more often than not, these things occur as a natural consequence of living in a fallen, depraved, and cursed world.
So, why does God allow these things to occur? Well, that’s the real question isn’t it? And no, we can’t blame everything on the devil (as tempting as that may be). The short answer is that God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves. Whatever the storm or natural disaster, God can and will providentially work through it for his glory. John Piper famously wrote, “[God] has hundreds of thousands of purposes, most of which will remain hidden to us until we are able to grasp them at the end of the age.” I can’t give a single answer for why God providentially allowed tornados to slam Hendersonville, Madison, Clarksville, and Springfield. But, instead of becoming angry or blaming God for natural disasters, we are encouraged to run to him when disasters occur: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Ps 46:1-3). God has promised to the preserve the earth until the time of the end (Gen 8:22). But, the earth still groans under the curse – every landslide, typhoon, tornado, earthquake, and volcano eruption is the groaning of the earth for Christ to come and set things right. As we celebrate Advent, as we long for King Jesus, these tornados remind us that so too the earth is anxiously awaiting her glorious redemption.
To those who have suffered through these storms, know that Christ weeps with you. These disasters are not ‘natural’ to God’s original design. One day, we will not need to fear the dark clouds or strong winds. The New Heavens and New Earth will be a paradise delivered from the curse – it will be a glorified earth made for glorified bodies. Until then, we pick up the broken pieces of our lives, knowing that this isn’t all there is. We walk through the debris fields praying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ Advent takes on a different feeling when all is not ‘jolly and bright.’ So, pray – groan with the earth this Advent season. One day we will be delivered from the curse… and that will be a glorious day.
Love you all,
Matthew
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