Sermons from The Lord's Days - 13, 20 & 27 February 2005
Brief Biblical Observations Concerning God's Judgments
Readings: Psalms 29 & 147, Luke 13:1-5, Mark 13:1-37
The Anglican Dean of Sydney, Phillip Jensen, was accurate in his recent
comments on the Boxing Day tsunami in south-east Asia:
* He called the tsunami a "warning of God's judgment";
* And, when asked if the tsunami was the will of God, he answered,
"Yes. The will of God in this world involved His creation of the world but
it also involves His judgment upon the sinfulness of humanity and it also
involves His salvation of people through the death and resurrection of His
Son. And so all the beautiful things we see in this world are an expression
of His creative goodness to us and all the disasters of this world are part
of His warning the judgment is coming, and both these things should focus
our mind on the death and resurrection of His Son and how He saved us."
* He also said that his immediate response to the disaster was one of
"horror and of needing to help the victims."
So, we can see that he has given a very concise and Biblically accurate
comment. He has place for both judgment and mercy, sin and redemption, for
nature and the Creator and sovereign Ruler of all creation, and he includes
also a central place for the Law of God, encompassed in loving both God and
our neighbour.
Yet, for all this, the good man's comments were ridiculed and despised
publicly.
Let us take some time this morning, on this Lord's Day (remembering that
Boxing Day was also the first day of the week), to carefully consider the
Scriptures on this topic.
Confusion gathers like storm clouds when men insist on asking, Why?, and are
either not interested in, or not accepting, the answers the Lord has already
given us. The focus tends to be on questions like, "If there is a God of
love, why would He do such an awful thing to innocent creatures, to the
children He loves?", or, Why would He allow it to happen through some
instrumentality, if He is all-powerful and could prevent it somehow?" So,
they figure out that if there is a God who created all things, then He
either does these awful things or allows them to happen, and both ideas are
completely unacceptable to most people. Their conclusion is often either
that there cannot be a God and Creator or if such a God and Creator does
exist, they don't want to know Him! To put it another way, they conclude
that either there is no God, or if there is He is either a good God who is
not in control, or if He is in control of creation, then He must be evil.
All this is based on the fact that they don't like what they see. This is
like saying that the devil is in control - Many Christians actually believe
this to some extent! Some even say that if anything is good it is of God
and if it is bad it is of the devil. (Of course "good" and "bad" is in the
eye of the beholder! But shouldn't we let the Lord decide what is good and
what is evil? His Word is the only reliable authority and judge of all
things.)
Of course, the first problem with such a question is that it begins with man
and not with God. It looks to sinful man - man, who is corrupt and depraved
in all his aspects - and to man's finite wisdom, rather than to the infinite
wisdom of the eternal God. To ask man (the creature) how to understand the
Lord God (the Creator), is a bit like asking a computer how to understand
the man/men who made it and programmed it! How foolish is that! Have you
ever stopped to think that computers are not really clever at all? Why is
it so? Because a computer has no brain, only a memory. There is no life in
a computer! And this is a perfect picture of fallen, sinful man; In his
fallen, corrupt, and depraved state, he has only a limited pool of wisdom
and facts from which to draw. He is incapable of explaining the meaning of
all creation and the Creator of it. And the reason is exactly the same
reason the computer can't explain anything outside of itself, because sinful
man has no life in him! He is "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians
2:1-9). But even if man was not corrupt, if he had not fallen from
communion with God, if he was still like Adam before he sinned, still he
would be incapable of judging the Almighty, for he is by nature infinitely
lesser than and infinitely inferior to his Maker. For a clay pot to presume
to have the ability and the right to judge the Potter is the absolute height
of arrogance - yet strangely, this is exactly what man does! We see
evidence of such arrogance e.g. In the "theory of evolution", the most
far-fetched and fantastic theory concerning our origins, a theory which does
not even begin to explain how we got here, yet it is accepted as fact by the
majority. We see, in grossly magnified proportions, the ignorance,
arrogance, and foolishness of man, when we see how few (even among
professing Christians) can accept the apostle's answer in Romans 9:10-26.
Why is it so? - So that no man can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is an
inner pride compelling them to say, I accepted Christ, I go to Church so
many times a week, I pray so many hours a day, I read so many chapters a
day, I give tithes and offerings etc. Do we preach a Christ who is Lord of
all? Or just another form of religious following? Do we realize that we
cannot even take the next breath unless God Almighty specifically orders and
enables it? Who is really the "I am" in our religion?
And the second problem, which is really tied up with the first one, is that
man is sinful - i.e. man is not innocent, so, it is utter foolishness to
talk about innocent victims! This, of course, is the great stumbling-block
of the gospel. This is the great offence, that sinners resent being told
they are sinners. They not only resent it but they find it almost laughable
that anyone should suggest they are corrupt and wicked in God's sight. (How
do you define "the wicked"? Do a study of the Scriptures some time and see
that those God calls "wicked" are all unrepentant sinners. The only
possible exception is those who are, by the grace of God, redeemed and
pardoned. The only reason the Lord does not regard you and me among the
wicked is that Christ's righteousness is imputed to us! We have no
righteousness of our own - Romans 9:15-18, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 7:14-25)
Yet their depravity and their error are proven beyond doubt by their
foolishness - i.e. Why would anybody need a Saviour if he was not already a
sinner and in a state of condemnation before God? Remember, Jesus said,
"They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye
and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice; for I am
not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Matthew
9:12-13). And it is well worth noting that this truth is as much a
stumbling block to religious persons as to rank outsiders, to harlots and
tax-collectors.
We must fear God! (which is the "beginning of wisdom"). We must worship Him
who holds all things in the palm of His hand!
(Continuing - the Lord's Day 20 February 2005)
As we proceed, let us consider some reasonable questions that we, as
believers, might ask in response to this first question man asks (the "Why?"
question):
. Why think immediately of God's judgment when a major catastrophe
(like a tsunami) happens, and yet, when one individual dies of a heart
attack, not even consider whether God is involved or not? If God is
involved in the mass-destruction of a tsunami, why would He not be involved
in the death of every individual? And, in fact, Jesus answers this plainly
by saying, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall
not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head
are all numbered." (Matthew 10:29-30) So, we can see that, logically
speaking, God is either involved in all things or in none at all. The
quantities are irrelevant to the question. (How many victims must I murder
in order to become a murderer? Only one of course! To murder 10000 does
not make me any more a murderer than if I'd murdered only one! How many
sins must I commit in order to become a sinner? How many laws must I break
to be worthy of eternal separation from God? Only one! Only one!) But
because people are largely driven by emotion rather than reason or common
sense, the quantity becomes the deciding factor in their minds - Why blame
God for the major disasters only? If He exists at all, He must be
accountable for all things. The Scriptures do not shy away from these
issues, but face them squarely. The problem with that is that people
generally don't want to hear the answers that the Scriptures give.
. Why did the tsunami happen in Asia and not in Australia or the UK?
Has anybody actually stopped to think, It could happen here, in Sydney or
Brisbane, the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast? In fact, now we are already
hearing on the News that local scientists are lobbying for funds to do
research so that Australians are prepared for such a disaster. They are
saying Australia is also at risk! But how many will take this warning
seriously. Remember Lot's experience: Read Genesis 19:12-18, Luke
17:26-30, Luke 13:1-5 - We deserve it as much as they do!
. Were only wicked persons destroyed by this tsunami, or were
believers and unbelievers alike carried away by it? If so, how does that
affect our faith? Do we merely decide that such details make the question
too hard to answer, and conclude that God really wasn't involved at all,
that the "act of God" that Insurance Companies have talked about for years
is really just a relic of language from a superstitious or over-religious
past generation? But God's wisdom is not bound by finite human thought!
He is well able to glorify Himself in a disaster in various ways - e.g. In
one disaster, He can destroy the wicked and show His awesome power and
judgment. He can allow a good man to be destroyed in the same disaster but
to be a hero, rescuing others or dying a selfless, Christ-like death. He
can take home some who are His own beloved children simply because it is
their time to go home. And in all three cases He is able to show those who
have eyes to see, that this life and this world is so terribly fragile and
temporary. These things are not difficult for Him, and He is glorified in
them all in different ways! If we, just for a moment, consider that our
purpose is not to gratify human desires and pleasures, but to please God and
glorify Him, then how differently we see all these things! It is only to
the unbelieving and arrogant that theses things don't make sense. (That is
not to say that we can afford to look down our noses at those who don't
believe or don't understand. We must remember that we were once like them,
and in substance, we are no different. It is only in Christ that blind eyes
can see and the deaf hear etc.! By grace alone, we are saved!)
Some of the Why's and Wherefore's of God's Judgment"
1. Because Man Deserves It (He is sinful, corrupt, and stubbornly
rebellious against God's sovereign rule).
. Death came upon Adam and Eve before another soul was born into the
world. (Genesis 2:16-17, 3:1-24, 4:1). Paul explains many centuries later
(Romans 5:12-19).
. All partake of death (spiritual death - separation and alienation
from God) in Adam. Only those in Christ are redeemed from this eternal
death, eternal separation from God. And yet, even those redeemed in Christ
eternally still partake of physical death. So, even the saints are reminded
daily, through trials and tribulations, through pain and suffering, and
finally through sickness and death, that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans
6:23). Nobody gets of Scott-free where the penalty of sin is concerned. In
one sense, we all taste of its consequences. Thank God however, that Christ
has borne the penalty for His people! So, while the saint can say that he
looks forward to a better world, he is nevertheless, reminded constantly
that he also is worthy of death for his sins. See "condemned sin in the
flesh ; "the body is dead because of sin" (Romans 8:3,10)
2. Because, as the Dean has said so well and so concisely, "all the
disasters of this world are part of His warning the judgment is coming".
. This is not an occasion to see who is evil and who is not, or
which one is more evil than his neighbour. Jesus put it plainly that all
are worthy of judgment except they repent! (Luke 13:1-5).
3. Because redemption and salvation only have meaning if there is first
a total depravity upon all humanity, if man is already a condemned sinner
before God.
. This is precisely why so many people in our day are not interested
in the Church or in the message of eternal life in Christ - They see it all
as unnecessary and irrelevant! What on earth could so deceive the people? -
people who are already under the condemnation of God and destined for
eternal hell unless they repent and turn to Christ? The answer is; The
Church and its false doctrine! For decades now the Church has largely
taught the people that they can choose Christ, that Christ is something to
add to what they already have! "Wouldn't you like to come to Jesus? You'd
be amazed at what He can do for you! Look what Jesus did for me! He'll do
the same for you!" etc. etc. It has not generally been faithfully taught
that without Jesus you perish and you deserve it! We have a generation that
is gospel-hardened, all because of a Church which did not want to suffer for
telling the truth - because of a Church which has catered to man's feelings
and emotions and "felt-needs" and has failed to drive home the message that
"God is angry with the wicked every day", and that, "except ye repent ye
shall likewise perish!" The attitude of this generation is, "What do I need
to be saved from? I'm fine thank you." How can we preach the Saviour if we
don't first preach sin and the personal condemnation of every sinner, and
the just wrath of God against them?
. The Scriptures show us some prime examples of the deliverance of
God's elect people from among all those upon whom His judgment falls (1
Peter 2:1-9, Matthew 24).
4. Because God has a much greater plan to fulfil. This world, this
aion (age), is so short compared to eternity, that it doesn't deserve the
attention human beings give to it.
* "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord
Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from
this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to
whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Galatians 1:3-5) - For those who
know God, this world is not something to cling to, but to be delivered from,
for a heavenly eternity awaits us! Even the sufferings of the martyrs show
how little true saints are attached to this world and that they do not look
for fulfilment or even justice in this world. It is a temporary,
probationary phase in the overall plan of God for His people and kingdom - a
very important one, but nevertheless a temporary and probationary one. Paul
reinforces this perspective when he speaks to the Romans, (Romans 8:14-23).
The attitude is one of triumph through, and in the midst of, the trials, not
complaints about injustice! Those who seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness are so filled with good things that pertain to eternity, they
are not consumed with the temporary problems of this world.
* "Love not the world." (1 John 2:15) - The word here for "world" is
"kosmos", not ""aion", as in Galatians 1:4. But whether we see the "world"
as an order/arrangement or as a period of time, the result is the same - the
issues are the same. This world is of a certain frame or order (kosmos).
It is also of a certain and limited time frame (aion). This is the bottom
line. Do we love this world and merely seek to enjoy it and help others to
enjoy it? Or do we recognize that this world, including its suffering and
injustice and evil, is something we can look beyond. Those who love the
world show that they do not love God, as the above text declares.
Conclusion: The questions, the confusion, the problems, are due to, in one
word - UNBELIEF - i.e. a rejection of God's Word, which is Truth! And that
unbelief is manifested largely in the rejection of one doctrine - GOD IS
SOVEREIGN - i.e. He created all things and is in full control of all things!
Since Christ is God, this same doctrine also encompasses another, which is
practically the same - JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! See Deuteronomy 32:39, Hebrews
1:1-3. Most Christians have rejected this doctrine because they listen to
men rather than to God, because they believe in men rather than in God's
Word! This is why a woman can write to a secular newspaper asking the
Churches to give answers to these basic questions and get hardly any
response! They have bankrupted themselves - little by little they have
squandered God's truth until the test comes and they find they have nothing
to offer! Jeremiah 17:5-9.
Let us seek God earnestly for the opening of the many blind eyes around us,
that they might see eternity with the eyes of faith, that by grace, they
might be partakers of eternal life in Christ. But above all else, let us, by
God's grace, be faithful as those whom He has chosen and called and made
"accepted in the beloved", that we might truly "love Him because He first
loved us."