Comments on: Who’s Fault Is It?

By: tobit

tobit — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:49:41 +0000

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/massive_earthquake_reveals_entire

this line stands out, “Had it not been for this earthquake, I doubt we would have ever noticed Haiti at all.” **

Out of something tragic, God is able to work. That is pretty awesome.

**notwithstanding that many (i.e. Compassion) have not just noticed Haiti, but have been working there for some time.

By: Keturah

Keturah — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:24:25 +0000

I guess I was feeling a bit reactionary when I responded… I’m sorry. I love Jesus, more than anyone in the world, I just don’t always feel good with his responses.

I came across you and this blog a couple of weeks ago and I love your writings. So thank you!

Peace

By: Sandi Adams

Sandi Adams — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:21:36 +0000

It is so true to our “news feed” form for the MOMENT to pass in a great disaster.
While the earthquake HAPPENED to the people of Haiti, the amazing witness of their love of the Lord was broadcast from CNN to Fox News as the reporters repeatedly (and seemingly unbelieveingly) shared images of the Haitians praising God in the midst of what we can only imagine as horrendous circumstance.
Here was my post about Haiti
http://emptynestart.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/haiti/
PS just discovered your blog and it is now happily residing in my Reader.

By: Erin

Erin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:40:43 +0000

Shaun,

I was preparing to preach on John 9 this week and headed basically this way, but I hadn’t even thought to check The Message.

I used your opening paragraph near the end of my sermon (hope it’s ok), but I cited you. Maybe it’ll bring in a few extra readers.

Thanks for the unintentional help!

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:47:02 +0000

I struggle with these very same questions. A lot.

Greg Boyd has a great message about suffering- using this and other passages. I was sick the Sunday after the earthquake & my husband left the link to this sermon for me to watch at home because he knew it spoke to my painful searching. If you’re interested, it can be found in the archives of sermons at Woodland Hills Church 7/13/2008.

My favorite thing he said- God doesn’t make a mess for His purposes, but He brings His purposes to the mess.

In response to Keturah & the words “SO THAT”… Boyd said that based on the greek, a better translation for John 9:13 was: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,”said Jesus, “but let the works of God be displayed in him.

It goes along with the MSG version you shared- we’re asking the wrong question. Basically, Boyd says “so that” was probably added to make the English translation smoother but it really takes away from the intended message, which is, at its core, “don’t try to judge, just respond.” And that God’s response is always healing.

Thanks for responding with healing and for encouraging others to as well.

By: NancyTyler

NancyTyler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:02:05 +0000

I ask “why” about a lot of things but I know He doesn’t owe me any answers.

I work at not letting the lack of answers keep me from asking the next question: “What?” “In this situation I don’t fully understand, God, what do You want me to do or learn?”

Trusting that He’s in control and has a purpose in everything, even pain, gets me from one day to the next.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:16:34 +0000

Keturah–As one in the midst of much chaos and pain, I have to respectfully disagree. I find it very comforting–to know that the suffering isn’t empty is very powerful.

It often doesn’t lessen the pain but it…changes me, at least a bit. If I can hope for redemption and future glory then my perspective changes to a more kingdom oriented one and I don’t know if that’s ever a bad thing.

I guess, it is a comforting reminder that even in the brokenness and ache God is right there moving and working and for that I am so grateful. Just my thoughts.

Thanks for another amazing post Shaun!

By: Shaun Groves

Shaun Groves — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:07:25 +0000

Doesn’t make sense. You’re right. But that’s what he said. Is that the only reason? Is that less of a reason and more of a good use? I don’t know.

Truth is, no answer satisfies the one who’s hurting. Doesn’t satisfy a lot of the rest of us either.

By: Keturah

Keturah — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:11:41 +0000

It still doesn’t really make sense that God would say “your suffering is SO THAT my works can be displayed.” True as it might be… Not the most comforting words to say to the one in the midst of chaos, pain and death. Just saying…

By: Happy Geek

Happy Geek — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:05:46 +0000

My pastor talked about this too.
Only he got real personal.
He said it was our fault. Our fault for hoarding our technology and industry and being caught up in consumerism so that a magnitude seven quake would devastate Haiti and it would barely rock a developed nation.
He then talked a lot more about what we need to do and how we can help in the days and weeks and months.
Have I ever mentioned how much I love my church?