Counter-Terrorism Tactic: On the Boston Marathon Bombings
If scholars are correct in their judgment that the Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, we have ample evidence that its central theme (namely, Why do bad things happen to good people?) is nearly as old as humanity itself. Modern horrific events like the Columbine shootings, the Aurora movie massacre, and the most recent Boston Marathon bomb attack are ample evidence that the question still haunts us. “If God is supposed to be all-powerful, why couldn’t he prevent all this? And, if God is all-loving, why didn’t he prevent all this?” My friend Bob (not his real name) took this a step further: “Why does God deliver some to death and deliver others from death? Isn’t that playing favorites?” Below is my response:
Bob, ultimately it comes down to this: either you believe the Biblical record that God is a good God and offers (without discrimination!) the gift of life (both earthly and eternal!) to the people he has also gifted with a free will either to live up to their calling (that is, to embrace his nature, character, and will) or to reject that calling and live like the devil–or you do not.
There are plenty of things about God’s actions that I can’t explain–and many that no human can explain (e.g., sometimes he allows injuries, sometimes he prevents injuries, sometimes he delivers from death, sometimes he does not), but if we accept ALL of God’s word as truth, then we must believe that God is indeed at work in all situations to bring about the highest good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). I don’t always understand God (in fact, no human can ever fully understand him), BUT I TRUST HIM. It’s OK for me to inquire of God (sometimes He tells me the reasons for life events, sometimes he does not), but when He is silent about his doings, I must trust that Father Truly Knows Best.
I am not saying that asking questions of God and His actions in life events is always inappropriate; I am saying that the best antidote to the poison of unbelief is a regular diet of truth. And the truth of the matter is that God does have “favorites,” if you happen to be fond of that term. His “favorites” are those who respond positively to his grace and accept his invitation to relationship.
Jesus said, “You are my friends (favorites?), if you do whatsoever I command you.” Having favorites has to do with selection for some task. When God has a special task, he has a “favorite” person for the job. Note Gabriel’s address to Mary: “Hail, you who are highly FAVORED.” God’s favoritism is not a question of love or hate (that is, an emotional or cognitive disposition toward another person) much less a reliable commentary on superior piety; it is, rather, a question of expediency (who will best accomplish this task). God’s “favorites” are those who embrace (that is, accept and live out) his love and rulership in every aspect of their lives. Ironically, rather than enjoying privileged exemption from pain, God’s “favorites” frequently and steadfastly endure suffering.
The fact that God chooses “favorites” for tasks does not imply that he harbors ill will toward those who reject him; the very opposite is true! In fact, the primary task he assigns to his “favorites” is to show his love (and carry his invitation of relationship) to the very people that reject him. Some reject this message and, along with it, its messengers. They misuse their God-given freedom to abuse and to maim and to kill. When will these atrocities end? The short, but sad answer is this: “not until The End”!
To announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds, God sent a heavenly host of angels who proclaimed, “Glory to God in the Highest Heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he FAVORS (Luke 2: 14, NRSV). World peace is a laudable goal, but this angelic host (delivering God’s message) reminds us that there truly is “only one way to peace through the power of the cross!” Peace can be experienced only among people who embrace (that is, accept and live out) God’s nature, character, and will–and this finds its fullest expression in the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.
COUNTER-TERRORISM TACTIC: Make Disciples of All Nations
So, to build upon the immortal words of the 16th President of the United States and stalwart soldier of Christ, Abraham Lincoln, “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause to which God has called us—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall make disciples of all nations—and that government of God, by God, for God shall not perish from the earth.
