Today most everyone is well aware of the horrific tragedy that has assaulted the nation of Japan. An earthquake with accompanying tsunami's of epic proportions dealing untold death and destruction. At the same time there is increasing unrest and conflict throughout the Middle East. Our world is obviously in turmoil and greatly in need of help.
The question that leaps immediately to the forefront for the Christian is, of course, what should we do? Beyond the obvious truth that the world needs Jesus, what are we supposed to do? The answer to that question is going to vary depending on who you are, where you are, what are your resources and what is God telling you to do.
However, since we are all faced with the very real situations in our world it is always disturbing to see the judgmental, hyper spiritual response of some Christians. There tends to be a tendency to always see calamity through the eye of the apocolytic day of judgment or the end is coming perspective. As destructive as the earthquakes and sin of man are in this world it is just as destructive and counterproductive to the cause of Christ and building the Kingdom of God for Christians to point fingers of blame and judgment at the world. Pointing out the world's sinfulness, failure and flaws takes no great spiritual discernment or gift and does little to bring unbelievers to the truth of Christ and God's goodness.
If the end is imminent and coming then what are you supposed to do before it gets here? What are you supposed to do to prepare the way?
The apostle Paul was no stranger to the weaknesses of mankind nor to the revealed prophetic expressions of God's Spirit. He dealt with both abundantly in his letters to various churches. Paul talked about what was to come as well as what needed to be done.
Faced with false teaching and sinful struggles in the church Paul directed: 2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4 (NIV)
The word "urge" here is the same as to "call to one's side". It's the same root word where we get "the comforter" or "advocate" from. The Christian place is to come along side and be an advocate and an intercessor. We are to pray and ask God's help and assistance in the face of disaster. We are not to stand and say, "see, I told you so", or some other pointing finger assertion.
We should ask ourselves how much have we actually asked God to demonstrate His power and presence in the lives of those troubled nations? How much have we been a real demonstration of God's great glory and power to the world? We should do no less than what Paul urged and pray. Obviously Paul understood that God's goal was quiet and peaceful lives filled with God's prosperity, favor and blessing. It is not his desire that disaster overtake nations.
This is why we must have revival. If you want God to come then pray for revival. Only in revival will His life to be demonstrated in the church so that He has a people to come back for. The world is quaking and shaking as it groans for the sons of God to be revealed. Even the creation knows that the time is right for revival and the power of God to be revealed. Now is the time to pray - not blame or judge. Now is the time to help.
