Magnitude 9.0 - A Reflection

Japan - A Nation overcome by Nature's wrath

It's a week since the catastrophic earthquake and Tsunami hit the shores of Japan bring about such devastation not seen in recent memory. Thousands lost their lives, many still missing and the damage to property seems immeasurable. It was just last month when I was in Narita, en route to Maui. Since I had some time to kill I took the train to Narita town and walked down the lanes. It was s sleepy Sunday afternoon and the weather was chilly. Not many people were on the streets. I marvelled at the cleanliness and serenity that surrounded this first world country. The people, courteous and friendly, something you don't see back home. Beautiful cars, good roads and a lovely country side. Yet it sadden my heart to see how liberal the country has become. Sex shops, a taboo in many Asian cultures, are an accepted norm in this developed country. So much for modernisation. That was sad.

But when the earthquake and Tsunami hit the shores, all the glory and Japanese superiority were also swept away by the waters. Watching the horrific scenes on the television seemed a far cry from what I saw in Japan last month. Simply unbelievable. Total devastation. People helpless, desperate.

Just a few days ago it was such a beautiful place. It made me wonder. What is life all about? Why are we working so hard? What are we planning to achieve? Why do we have to tear and kill each other with our words? Why are we building our own kingdom? After all it just takes one move of God to vapourise all our dreams, ambitions and all that we have built. That's why the Preacher said in Ecc 13:8 - “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. Everything is meaningless!” Those who perished, in the earthquake and Tsunami, did they get a chance to hear the gospel? Did they give their lives to Christ? Only eternity will tell. "If it be the duty of all men to believe the Gospel ... then it be the duty of those who are entrusted with the Gospel to endeavor to make it known among all nations." - William Carey

The preacher concludes his book with these words in Ecc 13-13: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Let's fear God and do all we can to serve Him and be faithful to His calling. Mathew 28:19-20 : Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

While we take stock of our own lives, let's pray for the people of Japan that God will show mercy and that the people will find God in these trying moments. Those who mourn will be comforted and those who have lost their loved ones will find strength in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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