…that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
The Bible places great emphasis on the consequences of moral evil. But what about natural evil?
Insurance companies call them “acts of god”. An event that directly results from the occurrence of natural causes that could not have been prevented by the exercise of foresight or caution. These are typically your tornadoes, earthquakes, violent winds, and floods.
Generally speaking, it is agreed that moral evil is caused by direct human activity. A person doing harm toward another or refraining from doing good to another.
However, natural evil is the open sport among philosophers and theologians. Some believe people cannot be held morally responsible for its occurrence and others believe because of man’s original fall from grace, natural evil is the result of man’s sin.
Then there are those who accuse God of manipulating nature’s forces to bring about destruction. Atheists like to use the argument that a loving God wouldn’t use force to destroy good people. Yet the Bible shows otherwise. One example, is the story of Job where Satan receives permission from God to destroy Job’s health, wealth, and family.
So, is natural evil God disciplining his children or just the systematic order of nature?
In order to answer that question, another one must first be asked. Is evil part of God’s plan? Doesn’t God allow evil in the world? Could he eliminate evil from the planet whenever He desires? Yet He doesn’t, why?
I write this as the Corvid-19 pandemic circles the globe. Some scientists believe its presence came from a bat sold in a meat market in China. If so, isn’t it interesting that God in Leviticus outlines diet restrictions for his people Israel which includes not eating unclean foods? These unclean foods included garbage swallowers like catfish, pigs, and yes even bats. You think God may have knew something about certain animal species and what harmful viruses they may carry?
I believe God allows natural disasters. He could prevent them from every happening. Yet He chooses not to. Why?
Maybe it has something to do with preparing people for eternity; building Godly character and trust in a loving Father. Maybe its to remind us we are not in absolute control of life. Pandemics occur. Tornadoes happen. Wild fires start. Doesn’t nature have a way to test us? To make us realize life is less about comfort and safety and more about dealing with crisis and challenges. Maybe major problems remind us we are not as strong and invincible as we may believe. Maybe there is Life greater than us.
I don’t have the answer. Only a whole lot of questions. But I do know God is working out something on earth that will culminate into one awesome, stunning event that will make all of history look at amazement at His finish work. But until then, we battle evils of all kinds with the help from an Almighty God. Then one day we will look back and the answer will be revealed. We will smile, acknowledge God’s wisdom, and move forward in greater expectation for what the future holds for us knowing He is in control and invites us to share in His work.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:
* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married
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