The news from the Big Church Festival is devastating. On Friday afternoon a large sign collapsed possibly due to strong winds. The festival was paused as news emerged of at least six injuries. Then later in the evening police sadly confirmed that a 41 year old man had been killed.
The story was reported on by many national news outlets and one distressing aspect was the responses by many people commenting, joking that this was a sign from God. When challenged, some were quick to point out that many Christians are quick to link suffering to judgement including with the catastrophic floods in Nepal. We do well to remember Jesus’ comments in Luke 13, especially on the eerily similar circumstances of the collapsed wall. We should not presume that those who suffer tragedy are more guilty but rather these events should prompt us to repent from our own sin.
We are reminded by this weekend that Christians are not immune from tragedy. We live in a world where pain, suffering and grief are real. Romans 5 tells us that God uses even suffering for our good.
Our hope is not in escape or immunity from sickness, suffering, death and grief but a greater eternal hope. We know that we can cling more to Christ and he will hold us fast.
I pray that those affected by this tragic incident will know some of that hope and comfort today.
Faithroots 