A Christian's Response To Tragedy

 Today, in the midst of tragedy, the world is looking to those who have been called by God to be salt and light to the world.

(Mat 5:14-16) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The world is looking to those who have hope, and they are expecting an answer.

I have been overwhelmed by how religious we can get in a state of national crisis. Our schools my not post the 10 commandments, but our money says, “In God we trust.” We may not pray in public school, but our President can call for a national day of prayer.

We may not hold adult led Bible Studies in our schools, but our town hall may post, “God Bless America” on its sign.

It is high time America turned it’s course and turned back to God! The promise to Solomon is just as true today as it was when it was written:

(2 Chr 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. How are we as believers to react?

I. CONFIDENTLY -

A. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE

(Mal 3:6) For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

1. Israel was disobedient. She would not see the fulfillment of all God’s promise to her in that day because of her disobedient, but one day they would come true. Because, God keeps his promises.

B. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE

1. We may ask where is God in all of this? Right in the midst?

2. We may ask how could he let this happen? It is brought about as a consequence of sin all the way back to Adam!

(Rom 5:12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

3. Isaiah prophesied for 60 yrs. during the reign of 4 kings.

a. It was a time of great crisis, chaos, moral decadence

b. Time when God’s people were turning their backs on him!

4. During the time of Isaiah’s prophecy,

a. Northern Kingdom-Israel-captive by invaders b. Southern Kingdom - Judah - attacked by Assyria

c. Unstable times, difficult times!

5. We live in Unstable, uncertain, fierce days

6. Israel and the middle east has been in the news for as long as I can rememeber - we do not need to fear, God is still on the throne.

C. Perilous - 2 Timothy 3:1 - last days, difficult, i.e.dangerous, furious:--fierce, perilous.

D. We are living in those days

E. It may cause us to wonder what is going on.

NO MATTER HOW DARK THE DAY MAY SEEM - GOD IS STILL ON

THE THRONE.

I. We can gain Confidence in the presence of God

King Uzziah had died

- Reigned for 52 years.

- Subdued most of the enemies of Judah and brought a time of peace.

- Turned Jerusalem into a fortified city, equipped with arms for defense

and gave the people a great sense of confidence and security.

- He was an incarnation of power, ability, and greatness.

- His kingship was of high order, with only one recorded blot upon it.

- as long as Uzziah was around, he preserved the entire nation from

coming apart at the seems.

- Then the great one died and the throne was empty.

I have no doubt that this week the very foundations our mortality, vitality, security have been broken.

God is very much alive - God is still on the throne!

- God gave the discouraged prophet a transforming vision: Judah’s throne may have been empty but God’s throne was gloriously occupied.

There was confidence in knowing God was still on the throne!

A. Confidence in His name - (6:1)

1. Adonay (v. 1) “Lord” - expresses great reverence

a. Sovereign, Lord, master, controller, owner

2. Jehovah (v.3+5) “LORD” -

a. Self existent or eternal one

B. Confidence in His Activeness -

1. The throne is a place of action and ruling,

2. The throne is not just of rest and relaxation and retreat.

C. Confidence in His Majesty - (6:1)

“High and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

D. Confidence in His Holiness -