Death and Anger

This past Sunday we had as guests in our church a couple who have served as missionaries in Haiti since 1965. They had been to Haiti twice since the earthquake in January. As you can imagine, they had harrowing stories of death and survival, as well as updates on the ongoing relief effort. But what impressed me the most was their report about the reactions of the survivors to surviving when so many of them had lost loved ones. In their experience, virtually every person they talked to, even when they had lost children or spouses or other family and friends not only did not express any anger towards God, but expressed thanks for having been spared and a new commitment to determining the reason God had spared them and fulfill His purposes in their lives. And that just blew me away. Probably the most common reaction I have run across here in the States is anger at God for allowing this earthquake and for so many to have been killed. Indeed, it is further proof for many that there is no God, since they could not imagine how a loving God would allow so many innocent people to die in such a horrible way. So how is it that so many Haitians react with renewed faith and commitment, especially when they are the ones who are really suffering?

It occurs to me that one big reason may be a more realistic view of life on the part of the Haitians than we have. As we have grown more comfortable and lived longer we seem to have adopted the attitude that we deserve a long and comfortable life. But the Haitians seem to think that all of us are going to die anyway, and that the extension of life, especially in tragic circumstances brings a responsibility to God and one's fellow human to serve them. Now, I must confess, I understand emotionally the American response much better than the Haitian one. But when I think about it, the Haitians are much closer to the truth. If there is a tragedy in death, then it is death itself which is the tragedy. And that is indeed what the Bible says - man was never intended to die, and the offer of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ. So it is the extension of life which is the blessing, not the cutting short of life which is a greater tragedy. Now I know that there are questions of the means of death, but we all know that many times the greater pain is suffered by one who survives and faces multiple surgeries, etc. I don't think this small blog answers or even acknowledges all the questions or objections, but I find myself convicted by the response of my Haitian brothers and sisters. Perhaps I should be trying to determine why God has allowed me to live so long and fulfill that purpose. Just a thought.

Pastor Ken