God On Trial

We've all been moved by the images of what happened in Moore, Oklahoma, last Monday, and I've read more than a few comments asking, "Why God would allow something like this to happen?" The death and destruction seem so random and something in us cries out for justice. But I think a better question to ask is, "Why does God allow any of us to live?" The very fact that we are alive is a testament to God's mercy and grace. When people demand justice from God, I would warn them to proceed with extreme caution.

All that remains of the house we lived in for 8 years. The house was
located only a block from Plaza Towers Elementary.

If God was a truly just God, humanity would have and should have been wiped out generations ago. We are a sinful, wretched race that has continuously, consistently, and unceasingly defied the laws of God. Our rebellion against God should have brought total destruction upon us but God did not visit us with destruction. Instead He visited us with mercy in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Part of our problem is that we have too high a view of man and too low a view of God. In our minds, the greatest injustice that could ever take place is an "innocent" human being killed. When in reality the greatest injustice is the dishonor given to a holy, infinite God by a sinful and rebellious humanity. If all of humanity were weighed against God, He still would have the greater value. He is God. He is eternal, infinite, holy, majestic. Man is not! When man is the center of the universe, then God must answer "Why did You allow this disaster to occur?" But when God is the center of the universe man must answer, "Why have you disobeyed my law?"

This is not to downplay the devastation that has taken place in Oklahoma. I am especially heartbroken because this was my hometown. Many places that were dear to my childhood (my old house, my grade school, my middle school) were destroyed in this tornado. I have many friends who either lost everything they own or they know someone who did. This is not an academic exercise for me, but something I feel in my gut. But I have to view things biblically and truth demands that we view the world from a God-centered perspective and not a man-centered one. Therefore when we ask, "Why did God allow this happen?" we are asking the wrong question. The better question is, "Why does God show mercy to any of us?" In the end, it is not God who will be on trial, but us!