Ondoy says, "Wake up!"

It is during these times of tragedies we couldn't help but think if it is the effect of our nation's plight before the Lord. Controversies, corruptions and meaningless chatters, swept away by the raging flood. May it they never rise again. But it wouldn't be as easy as it sounds. Isaiah 1 deals with the plight of Judah before the Lord:

"When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me ... When you spread out your hands in prayer I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen ... Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:12, 15, 17)

Just as the Lord addressed the chosen nation for their callousness in the midst of the suffering of the community around them, He still does so today to the church. Don't get me wrong, the church is on the move, I have heard and seen great efforts to send relief coming from the church. But bringing it closer to home, as a person of God redeemed by the One who says, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me to preach good news to the poor, to bring freedom to the captives, to declare the holy year of our Lord," am I part in prayer and help of the people in need of them? The Word of God cries "Justice!" Often times we get too comfortable in the four walls of our churches that we grow indifferent of what's happening just outside it's walls, it has become a prison of indifference.

I heard Rick Warren talk about the benefits and curse of technology. The technological revolution has helped us get information to and from us at the speed of light. But if I am watching for example, the tragedies of Ondoy on TV, I could feel sympathy, or perhaps tear a bit. But if I leave it at that, I failed to respond to the need, it becomes a coat of indifference in my heart. A couple more tragedies, tsunamis, Katrinas and Ondoys, and we are left with a hard calloused heart who deceives itself by thinking emotional sympathy without action is enough to justify one's lack of power to do something about it. Jesus saw the need, felt the need (compassion), and most importantly, met the need (Luke 10:34).

"Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow ... If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (v. 17, 19) Praise God if you are already living true Christianity, never stop doing it. If not, if your heart is stirring against the injustice you see on TV, do something, anything! No matter how small.

After Isaiah calls the attention of the church. There's another institution he brings to rebuke:

"See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her--but now murderers! ... Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them." (v. 21, 23)

It is not hidden from our sight, not far from our ears our nation is going through. The Philippines has among the highest corrupted governments in the world. And every day I see and hear it's corruption even to the grassroots government--even SK's, 15 to 17-year-olds! It is sad that our beautiful nation has come to this. It has become a culture of abuse of power and the hopelessness and helplessness for the oppressed and suffering. Someone says, this is no time to blame one another. Yes, but we have brought rulers to powers to lead us. And we have been led nowhere.

Nevertheless, God says, "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow ... If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (v. 18-19). Is there hope for our nation, I believe there is. What can I do? Stop indifference: (1) Pray for the Philippines, (2) vote wisely this election, (3) be the change and (4) lead others to do the same. 

It is during these times that I am led to think that perhaps God uses these acts of God to compel us to come before Him in repentance and once more to depend on Him. It is during these times that remind us that instead of tearing down one another, we ought to be helping each other. It is sad that it always has to come to this. When will we learn? May this "new slate" bring us new hope and direction towards nearness and rightness with God. My hope is that we will become a fertile ground of God's word to work when the time comes and it's near:

"I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City. Zion will be redeemed with justice, her [repentant] ones with righteousness." (v. 26-27)