Introduction:
The recent earthquake in Haiti jolts us with a thunderous reminder of one theological fact - our God is sovereign. No one on this planet is genius enough to understand, in its minutest details, everything in this life. But we must accept, although grudgingly as others would, even those that we cannot understand. Science and logic might struggle to explain, and better not attempt to explain, the reason behind the massive loss of lives – parents, kids, brothers and sisters, friends. Almost every single human being is in deep sorrow.
Over five years, ago we look back to the devastation of an earthquake and tsunami across the Indian Ocean – Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka all the way to India and Africa and other small island countries suffered a great loss. Lives and livelihoods, hopes and homes were crushed to ruins, wiped out of the face of the earth, if I were to exaggerate. Scientists can intelligently explain the movements of tectonic plates and the fiery threats of active volcanoes in the "ring of fire", both on the ground and underwater, but how and why do tectonic plates move and volcanoes erupt are yet questions that we need clearer answers to.
The author of the book of Hebrews warns us, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." Heb. 12 : 26. I don’t want to appear dogmatic but the passage used the word "seio" in Greek, which means to rock, agitate or throw into a tremor. It also used the Greek word "ge", which means a part of the whole world or, literally, a country. But the verse prior to verse 26 explains the reason behind the shaking of not only the earth but the heavens.
Heb 12:25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?
I believe that God’s primary aim is for people’s callous hearts to be shaken. The earthquake that recently rocked Haiti to a stunning disaster should not only jolt the Haitians but all the people of the world as well.
Proposition:
1. Our Haitian brothers Need Hope!
2. Our Haitian brothers Need Homes!
3. Our Haitian brothers Need Help!
The shaking of Haiti is a call to the world to extend a hand to our Haitian brothers and sisters at this time of intense grief and devastation.
1. Our Haitian brothers Need Hope!
Hope fuels life and promises another sunrise. It is faith in God that brings genuine hope, not only in this temporal life but also in the life to come. Hope enables the suffering to hear harmonious hums of visions from the deafening dirge and screams of pain. Hope can paint a panorama of high-rise buildings from a heap of boulders and broken concrete slabs. Hope can lay-out a plan to rebuild busted shopping alleys and turn them again into bustling thoroughfares. Hope can draw a vista of homes and residential buildings from a heap of ruins.
Illustration:
As Alexander the Great was setting out on his conquest of Asia, he inquired into the finances of his followers. To ensure that they would not be troubled over the welfare of their dependents during their absence, he distributed crown estates and revenues among them. When he had thus disposed of nearly all the royal resources, his friend General Perdiccas asked Alexander what he had reserved for himself. "Hope," answered the king. "In that case," said Perdiccas, "we who share in your labors will also take part in your hopes." He then refused the estate allotted to him, and several others of the king’s friends did the same. (Sermoncentral).
This is a call to the Christian churches and communities, first, to those living within the vicinity of Haiti and also across the globe. Let us bring hope to our Haitian brothers. Life is not over. This can be another start. Hope in God alone.
2. Our Haitian brothers Need Homes!
An old song says, "A house is not a home". I agree. In Haiti, we see houses crumbled into ruins after the earthquake. Houses are much easier to build. It only takes a budget and not too long a period to rebuild them. But a home, once broken, takes a lot more effort and time to rebuild. Homes are not made up of concrete, timbers or steel. No they’re not. They are made up of people binding together as one family, whether or not they are biologically related to each other.
The earthquake in Haiti has broken thousands of homes. Children are orphaned, parents grieve the death of their children, and the youth grieve the loss of their siblings. There is mourning and weeping in almost every home. They need people by their side in this their time of sorrow and grief.
Illustration:
Just up a field are two horses. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her. As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is; trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell. (Sermoncentral). At this point of time, the Haitians are like the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell in our lives – we, who bear the word of God.
The apostle Paul was plain in writing, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Rom 12 : 15. This is a call to our Christian brothers within the vicinity of Haiti and across the globe. Be a parent to the orphans, child to the grieving parents, and a brother or a sister to them in their time of sorrow and grief.
3. Our Haitian brothers Need Help!
Obviously, what is urgent at this moment is HELP! Our Haitian brothers need food, medicine, security, and temporary shelter. This is why relief goods have started flooding into this small paradise country, now bracing to come through the destruction caused by the recent earthquake. They need help as much as the world can offer. The recent pictures and images caused by this natural calamity move even the coldest of hearts.
I still remember the pictures of Haiti that I saw in the web before the recent earthquake – more like a paradise country for the stressed and exhausted. The beaches, white sands kissed by the sun and splashed by pristine seawaters. Now, on her white sands are scrawled these letters, H E L P!
This is a call to the people of the world. Let us take the relief moving by a storm from all corners of the globe. Rescue the perishing, save the dying, feed the hungry, and provide for those who are weak and sick. For as you do these, read again what Jesus had to say:
Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
Mat 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Mat 25:37 Then the righteous will answer him, ’Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Mat 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
Mat 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
Mat 25:40 The King will reply, ’I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Conclusion:
Let us not wait for another shaking of the earth before we let our hearts shaken by God. With the promises of God, we can offer Hope. With our presence, we can offer Home. And with our possessions, we can offer Help! Let’s get shaken and get moving.
