This dreadful news from New Orleans is frightening, especially the lawlessness. I was reading the paper and exclaiming about what sort of a generation we've raised that goes completely chaotic when the restraints of law are removed.
Paul said, "We like to think we're more civilized than people in places like Iraq but we just have a better system of control."
Matt said, "Don't despair too much, Mom. The same thing happened in the San Francisco earthquake in 1906."
I'm sure there are decent people there who are looking out for others and I sure hope if my family and I were in that situation we'd be among them.
Meanwhile, our prayers go out for all the displaced and suffering people in the entire area.
Quote of the Day:
"How much does God punish in this life? Was New Orleans an extra wicked city?"
--Emily. (I've been wondering the same thing.)
I've been wondering the same thing. I'm kind of thinking that Indonesia might be a safer place to work!
ReplyDeleteThe Baritone
It's all about location isn't it? I don't think the city is any more wicjed than any other city, is it?
ReplyDeleteAre they any more wicked than I am?
Concerning the question of whether God is "punishing" the sinners in New Orleans or anywhere else with natural incidents such as Katrina, I thought I would offer some verses recording Christ and a few thoughts:
ReplyDelete"Lu 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
I think that this passage should be enough to answer our questions on whether God "punishes" us with such tragedies. God also blesses the just and the unjust with rain. For His mercy endureth forever.
As for the looting and other lawlessness--that there are unredeemed souls in these situations is explanation enough as to why, sinners sin; it happened in Iraq too.
The lesson for me is to be ready to meet Him. Just thinking out loud.
If we are born-again, then we aren't wicked!!!
ReplyDelete