For good reasons, news reporting over the last few days has been largely focused upon Japan. That nation continues to suffer from the catastrophic effects of last week’s large earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The greatest loss of life and property has resulted from the tsunami. It is estimated that over 10,000 people lost their lives from this tragedy. Whole cites have been erased, and there is still great concern about leaking nuclear reactors. Several lessons can be learned from these events:
1. Man is mortal. “It is appointed unto men once to die…” (Heb. 9:27). Humans are in many ways resilient, but they are also frail. Our bodies are vulnerable to disease, infection and injury, and any one of these can produce death. The human body is powerless against many natural forces. Japan’s tsunami produced a wall of water 23 feet high (higher in some places). It moved rapidly (initially, at over 500 mph.), and it collected in its path vehicles, trees, building materials, structures and other debris. Humans cannot withstand the force of such an impact. Sadly, many Japanese people were crushed and drowned, and even carried out to sea. We must not consider ourselves invincible. Death “happens to them all” (Eccl. 9:2, 3).
2. Life is uncertain. James cautioned people against placing too much confidence in the next day (James 4:13, 14). People tend to make certain plans about what they will do and when they will do it. James reminds us that we “do not know what will be on the morrow.” He said, “But what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time, then vanishes away.” He echoes the sentiments of Jesus, for Jesus had said, “Be not anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient unto the day are the evils thereof” (Matthew 6:34). Their point is that things can happen to us that are beyond our ability to expect or control. This is exactly what happened with Japan’s tsunami. Thousands of people had no idea of what was about to happen. The lesson for us is to be prepared today – to seek first the kingdom of God today – Matt. 6:33.