THE HAND OF GOD
A football player cheated by controlling the ball with his hand and so won a match. Thierry Henri knowingly broke the rules and robbed the Irish of a place in next year’s World Cup in South Africa. His action was likened to that of Maradonna who infamously cheated England out of a place in the World Cup by using his hand to score a goal. He described what he did as ‘the hand of God’. The same description has now been given to Thierry Henri’s action. And what a tremendous fuss has followed.
It was not the hand of God with either Maradonna or with Thierry Henri. It was cheats breaking the rules and setting the most appalling example to children who watch such games with avid interest. It was the hand of wickedness and cynicism. Tragically such behaviour will not be met with any strong censure and Thierry Henri will continue to play football, and lots of youngsters will learn that in our corrupted society cheats do prosper. To some this is just a small event but it is so public an act of wrongdoing that without strong punishment unrighteousness is seen to flourish. God watches with sadness and anger at all such behaviour.
What does the hand of God look like? We saw that in Cumbria this week as the rains fell. They say it was the worst rain for a thousand years. I wonder how they know. But if it was what does that say to us? Jesus teaches us that it is God who sends the rain1. Is it just something associated with natural phenomena? Is it further evidence of global warming?
By and large people will deal with the effects and show wonderful courage and fortitude. The emergency services respond with amazing brilliance and skill. People’s lives will have to be rebuilt. Businesses have been lost. Homes have been severely damaged. Great sorrow and distress have been felt. At least one life has been lost. A brave Policeman was swept away by the torrent. We feel for all these people and are thankful for the care they will receive. Many will call on their insurance to cover the costs, but some will never be able to replace things. The effects of this terrible rain storm are awesome and tragic.
But what was the cause? Are natural phenomena the real explanation? That is how most will leave it. There will be some moralising and the Government and environmental activists will beat the drum for more action against global warming. In the end it’s like Thierry Henri’s hand - all down to the behaviour of men. We are all held responsible for global warming and this is one of the evidences.
That will not do. God must not be left out of the calculation. One news reader said there were rains of ‘biblical proportions’ She was quite right. He sends the rain! He does that to convey a message. According to Jesus normal rain shows God’s care and love for all of His creation. Good men and bad men all profit from Him sending the rain. But then a day comes when the rains are excessive and disastrous. It is still God sending the rain. He does not suddenly lose control or hand over responsibility to others. He is speaking through the rains. He calls to men to consider their ways. In the Old Testament God says that He sent all kinds of natural disasters to make the people think and return to Him2. That is an awesome explanation, but one we must take very seriously. ‘The hand of the Lord’ or ‘the hand of God’ speak about His power.
We live in a day when people in general will not hear what God has to say to them through His Word and the preaching of that Word. God will not be silenced! God has spoken in Cumbria. Will we listen to Him? Will this nation realise how far we have fallen? God is calling us to return to Him. It is the most important message. He speaks to you and to me. Will we listen? Will Christians hear God speaking and return to holy living and humble service as He directs us? Will the Church listen and leave its self-satisfied and independent ways and return to God in urgent prayer and supplication?
We did not see the hand of God in the football match last week. We did see it in Cumbria.
1. Matthew 6:45
2. Amos 4:6-13