August 17, 2011 - So, it’s God’s fault, is it?  Or maybe it’s a question  of God not paying attention. After all, isn’t that often one of the topics of conversation when tragedy strikes? Ever heard anyone say, “Well, if God really loves us, how could He have allowed this to happen?”  Sure you have. I’ve heard it many times. “Why did God let my wife, husband, son, uncle, die, or get sick, or get killed in a freak accident.

Isn’t there a bigger question here?  Isn’t it really one that can be phrased, “Does God care?”  Our congregation at Hope, Red Creek, discussed that on Sunday morning. The third reading for the day was about a woman who had a very sick daughter and asked Jesus for help. It’s in the Gospel of Matthew. You may remember it as the story in which Jesus tells her that it’s not right to throw the children’s food to the dogs. Her brilliant answer is that even the puppies get to eat the food that drops to the floor.

Interpretation varies, but the one that makes the most sense is that she’s not being shut out. Despite the surface appearance that Jesus is being inconsiderate, it’s a stark lesson in endurance. You see, the implication of wanting God to guarantee a life free of pain is that it would rob us of independence. The moment a dilemma arose, God would be Johnny-on-the-spot to erase the details. The upshot of that is that we’d never be able to use the gifts of our brains and talents to figure out something for ourselves. We’d end up weak, robotic and without confidence or strength of character.

That doesn’t mean we are left to our own devices, and it certainly doesn’t imply that God watches from the sidelines as we flounder and shout for help. Like the little kid who gets tossed into the lake to force him to learn to swim, it would be a cruel sink-or-swim situation. Contrary to what some would think, God doesn’t work that way. He is a God that cares. He doesn’t watch from afar and twiddle His thumbs.  

All of this has to be read against the background of God’s nagging silences. He doesn’t hop to it whenever we’re in trouble. We do so want relief, don’t we?  Certainly there are moments when God intervenes and makes dramatic shifts in circumstances. Frequently, however, what we hear is God saying, “Come on,  I gave you life; I gave you ability. Use that, and I’ll be with you as you think about and work at it.” He does show His concern.

Do you want proof? Well, let me delve into my Christian beliefs and come with an answer that fits the question. I believe that the coming of His Son says that He knows what goes on in our lives. It makes it personal,  and it shows He cares.  
Ask the puppies that scrounge for that crumb on the floor. They expect it.