On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh parked a Ryder truck with about 5,000 pounds of fertilizer and diesel fuel in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. At 9:02am, the explosion occurred, resulting in the death of 168 people.I have been at the Oklahoma City National Memorial twice. Each time it was a deeply moving experience. Many places in the world are non-descript and forgettable. This place has deep meaning because of the loss of life that occurred on that April day.
Across the street from the memorial is a statue of Jesus with His head in his hands. Jesus is obviously weeping and He cannot stand to look in the direction of the Murrah building site. This brings up some great questions.
Could God had stopped this tragedy? I believe that He could have. God is all-powerful and all knowing. He knew about McVeigh’s plans and He could have stopped McVeigh from carrying out this deed. This is a tough answer, because it means that ultimately this tragedy is God’s fault. He could have stopped it.
I like this answer much better than those who would try to make excuses for God, in some way trying to protect God’s reputation. I would much rather have the tension of all bad things being God’s fault and have God being in control and able to act in every circumstance. If God could not have stopped this tragedy, then what else is He powerless to prevent? We do not need to protect God’s reputation.
Another point is appropriate during this Holy Week. Jesus became a man, lived life just like we do. He suffered unjustly during the events we remember during Holy Week. Jesus suffered in every way that we will ever suffer. Jesus is the only one who can stand with you when you experience loss or injustice and know how you feel.
When we see a national tragedy like the bombing in Oklahoma City, or we face the death of a loved one, we know that Jesus can be there with us. Tragedy will come in our lives. The promise of having the company of Jesus during these times will not make the hurt disappear, but it is a great comfort to know that Jesus has experienced more than we will ever experience. His comfort during these times is huge.
Will Jesus be with you when you face the tragedy that will come in your life? You must invite Him into your life to experience the comfort of having His presence during the coming days. Will you turn from doing life your way and invite Jesus to be Lord of Your life?
