PK’s Ponderings

September 8, 2005

Why the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is not Hell on Earth

Horrendous. Tragic. Indescribable. Shocking. Astonishing. Frightening. Dreadful. Appalling. Dire. Nightmarish. Perhaps scores of other words could aptly describe the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, but one description that has already been used in the media is certainly not appropriate, and that is that the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is Hell on Earth.

Now, I know some of you are thinking, Come on Pastor Ken, don’t you think you are stretching things just a bit? Would you want to live through the horror of what’s going on in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, particularly New Orleans? Of course I would not. But let me be clear, I would much rather go through weeks and months of this aftermath than endure one moment in Hell. We have watered down too much the real horror of Hell in our land. Our pulpits are too silent about such an issue. So you see, my desire is not to lessen the impact of those who have survived Hurricane Katrina, but rather to ensure that we do not lessen the reality of a never-ending, torment-filled, and hopeless eternity in Hell.

Let me see if I can explain.

1. Relief is coming for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. There will be no relief for those who are in Hell. Relief is slow, and in places excruciatingly so, but it is coming to the residents of the affected area. Even now, water is quenching once parched throats. Food is being distributed to the hungry. Shelters are being constructed. Homes of relief and comfort are being opened for refugees. But for those who die without receiving forgiveness of sins by confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior and therefore enter into a just condemnation forevermore, there is no relief. Like the rich man in Luke 16:24, those in Hell will beg for water to cool off the agony of the flame, but none will be given. The smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever (Revelation 14:11)

2. Hope exists for those affected by Hurricane Katrina with each passing day. The inhabitants of Hell are devoid of any hope of their destiny changing. In coming months, rebuilding will take place, and something approaching normalcy will return. With each rising sun, hope is renewed, God shines His common grace on each and there is an anticipation of what new mercy may be shown to them. For many, they see themselves as being given, although with heavy consequences, a second chance at life. Rebuilding and newness stands before those devastated by the hurricane. But for those constrained to Hell, there is no hope, no second-chances, no presence of God’s grace (Mark 9:47-48). What torment and darkness and judgment they face now, is exactly what they will endure for endless ages without any degree of lessening. Eternal destruction is the only future for those residing in Hell (Matthew 7:13; Philippians 3:18-19).

3. Hurricane Katrina is marked by painful, yet temporary separation from loved ones, while Hell is marked by enduring separation from God and believing loved ones. Families are displaced and scattered across the nation. Wives and children are being sent away to relatives while a husband or parent remain behind to try and begin the process of cleaning up. There will be a reunion day for these. Believers who have released loved ones into the arms of our Sovereign Lord will be reunited with them around the throne of God. Even now, God’s mercy shines upon all survivors, beckoning them to be reconciled to Him through faith in Christ. But for those who reside in Hell, separation marks them forever: separation from God and any of His mercies or comforts (Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9); separation from loved ones who do believe in Christ (Matthew 13:49-50). And once we take our last breath in this life, our eternal life begins, with no reversal of destinations (Hebrews 9:27-28).

So you see, dear reader, although the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is certainly terrifying, Hell is infinitely and eternally more so. With all the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, hope and the presence of God and His mercies remain. In Hell, hope and God are eternally, unchangeably and agonizingly removed.

So what are we to do in light of this?

1. As citizens of the kingdom of God, be agents of hope to those who are needy physically. Give Funds. Go. Pray. Encourage. Send clothes. Help rebuild lives. Be willing to separate from your families if need be for a time to be able to go and dig out rubble, swing a hammer, or simply give water. If these folks can not receive hope from believers, who will they receive it from? Do what you can, as God would lead you.

2. As citizens of the kingdom of God, be agents of hope to those who are needy spiritually. Not only do we give water to the thirsty, but Living Water, to those whose souls are parched. We not only give bread to the hungry, but Living Bread to those whose souls are famished and crying out for satisfaction. Let us who are bound for Heaven, not forget the reality of Hell. Let us be as Paul, who declared Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). And we don’t have to go to Mississippi or Alabama or Louisiana for this. Our neighbors, our co-workers, our own family members, our fellow club members and recreation partners may all be those who are in need of hope. Let us strive, while we have opportunity, to lovingly warn of the reality of Hell, and enthusiastically share the hope of glory through faith and submission to Jesus Christ. Let us be bearers of the good news that He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) and, because of faith in the reconciling work of the Son of God, we are assured of our never ending presence with God through the love of Christ (Romans 5:1-11, and 8:28-39).