Comparing Catastrophes

Recent reports on the situation of homeowners displaced by wildfires in the southern California, prompted some thought.

An update from Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, a make-shift refuge for some 12,000 people, detailed that: food and water donations have greatly exceeded the need; police/security is readily visible in significant force; the crowd has been extremely well-behaved. And it seems like the national media was present on the scene very early in the happenings.

It makes me wonder about the contrasts experienced during hurricane Katrina in the greater New Orleans area. Refugees at the Superdome had little food, water, police supervision, and in some cases—personal restraint. It also seemed that the national media was slow to pick up this story.

While the situations are different, some of the differences may bear consideration.

Why was the media slower to pick up the story in New Orleans? Why was there less enforcement of civil order in the Superdome and surrounding New Orleans? Why have food donations been so plentiful on the west coast? How is the difference in personal behavior among the affected residents in the two catastrophes to be explained?

Aside from logistics and disaster preparedness, the two groups of people present a number of other differences. These include social and cultural differences, economic and educational differences, and even differences in expectations. And it is true that some people are harder to love than others.

However, if I believe that ALL PEOPLE bear the imago dei, the image of God, then none of these differences should matter. If these differences did make a difference, it is a tragedy much worse than the hurricane itself.

Brett Farve Reminded Me of Sowing Seeds

Two weeks ago the football world, and especially fans of the Green Bay Packers, celebrated a new record. Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre threw a record-setting 421st touchdown pass. This is a tremendous accomplishment for the 38 year old veteran of 16 seasons playing professional football.

What is really significant—and important enough for our church newspaper, is what happened this past Sunday. Brett Favre set another historic passing record! Unfortunately fans did not cheer. You see, Favre threw a record-setting 279th interception. It is here that this football veteran brought to mind the parable told by Jesus in New Testament book of Matthew, chapter 13.

In Matthew 13, Jesus explains the trials and triumphs of the believer who goes out to tell others about Jesus, faith, and eternal life. The parallels of this story and the two recent records set by Bret Favre are astounding.

Jesus explains that when you attempt to explain your faith sometimes people will not catch on and Satan comes and “snatches away” the seed you’ve sown (v. 19). Just like 279 of Brett Favre’s passing attempts intercepted by the opponent.

But at the conclusion of His explanation (v. 23), Jesus says that some of your attempts to share your faith will be caught and produce remarkable results! Just like a number of Brett Favre’s successful pass attempts: many are caught that gained good ground “some thirty, some sixty” as the parable tells; and in Farve’s case, 423 have gone for touchdowns.

What is striking in both the parable and in Bret Farve’s career is the idea of persistence. Last season, Brett Favre had a terrible year, throwing 29 interceptions and only 20 touchdowns. Many thought he should retire; hang it up; give in to old age and discouragement. This is Satan’s goal for you in the area of sharing seeds of hope. He wants to intercept your passes, discourage you, and send you into retirement.

The parable serves to remind us that not every effort to tell others about our journey of faith will be successful. Some of our efforts will be received, but we will see little progress. And some will be significantly blessed by God and produce great results for His kingdom.

It can be helpful to remember that there are a multitude of people who need to hear the transforming message of salvation through Jesus. Satan wants to keep you out of the game. Be persistent. Who would you most like to see in the end zone?