When Tragedy Strikes

Just 8 days ago life changed forever for a number of tourists and their tour guides. Mostly from a cruise ship, 47 set off for an exploration of Whakaari/White Island 50 kms off the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island.

Tragedy struck, at 2:11 pm on Monday 9th December, when the active volcano 'burped', (as one volcanologist put it), with no prior warning; spewing mud and fumes and causing life threatening burns to most.  Sixteen people have so far died and the death toll will probably rise, others are suffering unimaginable pain, and their loved ones suffer too. Christmas will not be a season of joy for those affected but of wondering what the future holds.  We need to remember to pray for them.

Today news came of another earthquake with loss of life in the Philippines, and my phone just beeped that a primary school is in lockdown in Hawkes Bay, fortunately the school is not involved in the firearm incident but one person in the area nearby is in critical condition.

We are reminded that in life there are no guarantees.  Psalm 144:4 says, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." And Psalm 90:12 (NLT) says, "Teach us to realise the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." 

What wisdom do we need to grow in?  Psalm 110:10 (CSB) tells us...."The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight." Other translations  say "all who follow his commandments."  In other words, we will do things God's way if we are wise. We can't do that without knowing Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord; trusting in his righteousness rather than our own good works or 'trying to be good'; walking in obedience to his instructions; turning from sin and walking in love and forgiveness toward one another.

There is an afterlife, we are eternal beings, we don't just die and that's it.  We move from this dimension to the eternal dimension. We will all appear before the judgement seat of Christ.  We need to make ourselves ready because we never know when our 'number is up'.  Are you ready?

PRAYER: Dear God, we pray for the people involved in the recent tragedy at Whakaari/White Island that you would give them your peace and healing.  We pray for their families and friends who are so affected that you will give them comfort.  We pray too that you would remind us of the need to make ourselves ready to meet with you.  Give us your wisdom for living life to please you. Amen