For news stories about the event, click here.
Since then, both Haiti and Japan have been rocked by major earthquakes, in which thousands of people have died. And the news reports have been filled with references to "Mother Nature" and other such idolatrous and blasphemous nonsense. These were acts of God. The God of the Bible. One reason that the Lord sends calamities, we know from Scripture, is as a warning to the people of the earth to repent of idolatry and rejection of Jehovah, and to turn back to their Maker, to seek refuge in Him as Savior (Deut. 32:39, Jer. 6:19, Jer. 8:1-7, Jer. 10:10, Jer. 18:8, Jer. 31:28, Ps. 77, Ps. 90:3, Is. 2:11-22, Lk. 13:4-5, Jn. 12:48).
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. (Psalm 57:1-3)
You don't know if God will spare you in the next catastrophe (James 4:13-15). Repent now (Acts 17:29-31) and believe on His name (Jn. 20:31).
Thoughts on a recent event in New York
by Jeff Amber
1. Many get very religious in times of emergency, but it remains to be seen if it's lasting.
It's been reported that many on the plane were praying audibly "Lord, forgive me for my sins" and some even reciting the Lord's prayer! [Matt. 6:9-13]
2. Note the remarkable capacity the natural man has for perseverence when a common goal needs to be attained. [Eccl. 4:12]
Reports of teamwork were many.
3. Sadly, many deny the God of predestination even at the supposed end, and even declare themselves a predestinarian.
Note the 58-year-old woman who declared, "I'm not supposed to drown." Interestingly enough, she was correct, at least re: that day, which may have solidified her own view of herself. She, in fact, didn't drown! [Prov. 27:1]
4. All of God's creation is at His sovereign disposal, even birds!
This event was apparently due to a flock of birds, who were under God's sovereign command. Reminds one of the cock that crowed. [Mark 14:27-31, 66-72]
5. As with the people of God, worldlings have varying degrees of insight, regardless of age.
Note the woman who said that she had 9 lives due to some narrow escapes previously, but who was corrected by a child who said, "No, only cats do." Both were wrong, but at least the younger one knew that when man dies, he dies once and for all. [Hebrews 9:27]
6. Note man's seemingly unending capacity, thirst, and willingness to deify his fellow creature. [Romans 1:25]
The pilot has been spoken of as a "Saviour," "miracle-worker," and "an angel sent from heaven." A remarkable show of poise and calm in a dire situation with potentially many lives at stake both on the plane and on the ground, yes, but this man is none of the above. Moreover, acts of heroism are performed due to God sovereignly thrusting the person into the situation.
Once again, God is the Initiator and Orchestrator of all that comes to pass.
