Theology of Storms
Psalm 148:7 Praise the LORD from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps; 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, (Matt 8:24-27)
Introduction
This morning I want us to look at the theology of storms. After the past few weeks and all the devastation we have seen (and still see), I think it is important to turn to Scripture and see what God has to say about storms and natural disasters.
Now last week we were assured of God’s ever present help in trouble. No matter what we face, God is with us and never abandons us.
This morning I want to look at the storms and disasters themselves. Why do we even have storms? Is there meaning behind them or are they just random occurrences?
My hope is that as we turn to Scripture we will gain clarity and the categories we need for those times when life hits the hardest. At the same time, it is my hope that this clarity will inform our witness to the world around us, in those times when the world needs it the most.
So what does Scripture have to say about storms?
I. Theology of Storms
1] Notice at once when we turn to Scripture we find, that throughout the Bible, the depiction of storms are used to show God’s power, might, and glory.
Ezekiel 1:4 And as I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.
Exodus 19:16 So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain (Sinai) and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.
Psalm 148:7 Praise the LORD from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps; 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, (Matt 8:24-27)
Importance: at once, as we consider storms, our eyes are turned to God who is the Creator and master of all nature’s awesome forces
2] Next, throughout Scripture we find that God wields the forces of nature as an instrument of judgement against a specific sin, person, or group.
Exodus 9:23 And Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the LORD rained hail on the land of Egypt. (c.f. Ex 13-14 FN#1)
Notice the distinction: in the vast majority of cases, divine judgement against a specific sin, person, or group is preceded by a divine word of pronouncement and a call to repent (Ex 3:10,19-20). In turn, for the vast majority of cases, divine judgement against a specific sin, person, or group simultaneously works deliverance for God’s people (Isa 37:33-36). Importance: if we don’t see these two factors then we should be very slow to assume a specific instance of judgment against a specific group, rather than a general warning to mankind
Notice the result: while it is true that God wields the forces of nature in acts of specific judgment, our purpose here is to look at the more general occurrences of natural disaster. What are we to make of the storms that commonly occur throughout the world without divine pronouncement of intent?
II. The Place of General Nature Disasters in Scripture FN#2
1] First, notice the context/backdrop of storms: Fallen man is estranged from God and God’s intentions for life in this creation (we live broken in a broken world). As such, sin, death, and rebellion define the very environment in which man lives (inside and out)
Ephesians 2:12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
However, God does not abandon man to his sin. Instead, God pursues man inside and out. That is, God never lets man normalize his brokenness and estrangement; nor does God allow man to grow comfortable in his rebellion FN#3.
Importance: it is within this backdrop of estrangement, brokenness, and God’s pursuit that Scripture locates natural disasters
3] Notice then, throughout Scripture storms and natural disasters serve as merciful and ongoing warnings to man of his estrangement from God and God’s intentions for this life and world (Rom 1:18).
Revelation 8:6 And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them. 7 And the first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Importance: God does not allow man to become satisfied with sin; nor does God allow man to dismiss his accountability to God. Instead, natural disasters serve as warnings to man that he is not the master of life or world
III. How are believers to respond?
1] First, believers are to be careful not to confuse these general warnings that are sown into the very fabric of fallen creation (Gen 3:17-19) with acts of divine judgment against specific sins/people. FN#4
Luke 13:4 “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.“
2] Second, the believer is not to be surprised when we share in these disasters along with the world
John 16:33 “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Why?
3] Witness- God does not hedge in us from the troubles of this fallen world. Instead, God sends us to endure these very conditions as translators. That is, God sends and equips us to speak both the language of suffering that the world knows as well as the language of hope, healing, and grace that God offers the world
1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
Bottom line: a proper theology of storms will provide a clear understanding of what we face. As such, it will allow us to reflect God’s mercy with our mercy as we assist our neighbors in need. In turn, it allows us to join our voice to the call of God’s voice that men may turn to God and be saved.
Footnotes
1] Notice in the case of the hail and the other judgments that God sent against Egypt we see all the factors that distinguish divine judgement against a specific sin, person, or group: God warns, God judges, and that judgment simultaneously works deliverance for His people.
Exodus 9:13 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14 “For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth
2] By “general disasters” we mean those which come with no prior pronouncement and which indiscriminately affect both believers and unbelievers, righteous and unrighteous alike
3] God in His great mercy pursues fallen man inside and out
Ecclesiastes 3:11 God has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. (Rom 1:18-20)
Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
4] In the vast majority of cases, divine judgement against a specific sin, person or group is preceded by a divine word of pronouncement and a call to repent (Ex 3:10,19-20). In turn, for the vast majority of cases, divine judgement against a specific sin, person, or group simultaneously works deliverance for God’s people (Isa 37:33-36). If we don’t see these two factors then we should be very slow to assume a specific instance of judgment against a specific group, rather than a general warning to mankind