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Is Man Invincible?

For years Man has been confident in his ability to control, explore, invent and achieve.   Men have been landed on the Moon; space vehicles have been landed on Mars; probes have been sent out to the further reaches of the Solar System; advances in medical science have cured illnesses which last century brought early deaths to millions.   To many, it appears that man is capable of achieving anything and everything.   In fact he might appear to be invincible.

Are you sure?

Consider what a year this has been.  
The world was reeling at the start of the year, trying to take in the magnitude of the devastation in the Indian Ocean Earthquake and the resultant tsunami.   Waves inundated land up 10m above sea level. 174,000 were confirmed dead with some estimates as high as 275,000 [1].   These people, many in poor economies, were killed by a natural disaster they were not expecting.  

Then there was Hurricane Katrina, striking the heart of New Orleans and showing that a major economic power could also be found unprepared for the impact of an event which demonstrated the savage power of nature. The official death toll now stands at 1,281 and the damage higher than $200 billion, topping Hurricane Andrew as the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history. Federal disaster declarations blanketed 90,000 square miles of the United States, an area almost as large as the United Kingdom. The hurricane left an estimated five million people without power.   Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff described the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as "probably the worst catastrophe, or set of catastrophes" in the country's history. [2]

A few weeks later, Asia was hit by another earthquake - this time in Kashmir.   Some estimate that the death toll could reach 100,000. Most of the affected areas are in mountainous regions and access is impeded by landslides that have blocked the roads. An estimated 3.3 million were left homeless in Pakistan. It has been estimated that damages incurred are over 5 billion US dollars. [3]

Hard on the heels of this world news, was Hurricane Wilma.   It was the second 21st storm in any season.   Wilma made several landfalls, with the most destructive effects felt in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Cuba, and the U.S. state of Florida. At least 37 deaths have been reported, and insured damage is estimated at between US$8-12 billion (about $6-9 billion in the US) and total damage likely to be in the $15-20 billion range, which would rank Wilma among the top 10 costliest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. [4]

What is the Power of Nature?

Man may be able to reduce the impact of such natural events, but he cannot stop them happening.   Why is it like this?   Can we learn anything from these events?

Evidence of God

There is evidence in the Bible that God uses the power of nature for a purpose - as a warning to thinking men and women.

And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered. So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.    Amos 4:7-8 (KJV)

For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.   Job 37:6-7(KJV)

Warnings for Us

If the warnings were there in history, they should also have relevance to us today.   The sheer power demonstrated by this year's events should remind us of how puny and futile our own efforts by comparison.

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.   Psalm 49:6,7,9 (KJV)

For those who recognise God's power and put their trust in Him, there is a sure hope - expressed later by the writer of the Psalm quoted above:

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.   Psalm 49:15 (KJV)

A Man who controlled Nature

We mentioned earlier that man is unable to prevent natural catastrophes, but in the gospel record, we get an insight into a man who could control nature.   Jesus was in a boat with his close disciples when a storm blew up:

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.   Luke 8:24-25 (KJV)

A Taste of the Future

Those who put their trust in Jesus, and God his Father can look with confidence to the future, especially when reminded of the forces in Nature.

Free booklet - Why Does God Allow Suffering?

The problem of pain and tragedy demands and answer - and God gives it.   It has a purpose and will be brought to an end in His coming kingdom - and we can be part of it.   Read more (with your Bible in hand) by requesting the above booklet, giving full details of your name and address and mentioning this newsletter, from any of the contact points below (FREEPOST address does not require a stamp or any other details):

The Christadelphians
5 Rattray Street
DUNDEE DD1 1NA

Or

regular mail: FREEPOST CHRISTADELPHIANS

e-mail: christadelphians@21blake.freeserve.co.uk

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