I'm really unsure of what they are doing. Certainly nothing good. But they aren't as bad as they could be. At least they are still in the mountains. I think I read that firefighters were making some progress too.
Still, I can't help but think back to LAUP and Amos study. I have always wondered how God could be present in situations like this. In this situation at least, I think we can ask that. Why would God allow this? It is a sign of His weakness...well, I would say no. Well, is it a sign of His judgement...I would say that it could be a very true warning. Amos 3:6-> "If there is a calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?"
In that, if God is supposed to be a loving God, then why does he take such an active role in destruction. Chapters one through three go through all the way God reveals that He has had patience with groups, but now it is time to have some reminder of their evil. Fire is a sign of judgment in almost all the descriptions. God also uses other groups (in their own evil) to bring judgment...which makes me think of 9/11. Also coming up soon.
I think God has had a hand in these fires. And I know that there are many things in LA that do not quite line up with where God is at...some redemption is necessary. Someone is needed to stand in the gap.
This may be just a sign of things to come. In chapter 4 of Amos God mentions all the things that did not make the Israelites choose to change. Mostly famine and such. For us, in the US, that is unthinkable...but I believe there is a famine among many within this city.
I don't know exactly what it looks like for me to bring justice to the gates and be one who stands up for good things and actively fights against evil, but that is what I must do.
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Thoughtful reflections Riley. Something worth pondering on. Working in Pasadena,it's hard to talk to people about how God might have a hand in these events, or might play a role. However, it has crossed my mind. What are you thinking these days?
Your writing got me thinking. Could this whole recent economic collapse be a sign of America's lifestyle? Americans have gotten so far from God it seems in the past 50 or 60 years. In the 1950s, there were many more Christian homes, the father as the leader of the household, wife as the respected mother, and kids. Nowadays, it's common life for people to get divorced, single parent households, where mothers act like fathers and fathers like mothers. About 50% of marriages end in divorce last time I heard. Back in the 50's they would have called it a ruined household. Today however, it's perfectly normal. Makes me wonder, does this society really have "normal" values and motives? I think God may be calling us back to live His way, not ours.
Hey Riley,
I enjoyed your reading your reflection (hopefully its ok if I do). Natural disasters and economic troubles do cause people to wonder about God's role in the world and whether He works in the midst of chaos. I believe that he does and I believe that goodness and grace can come out of it. I have heard many good stories of people assisting others during the fires, taking people into their homes, feeding firefighters, and connecting with others who need assistance. I think that the "negative" unexpected can bring people together, though it is sad that it takes such things for people to wake up to reality. Hopefully that is relevant...
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