Nothing to be boasted for

Human. We like to think we are superior above other creations, having dominion over the nature. We are intelligent, our brain owns the most sophisticated arrangement of nervous system, our interactions between each other are meshed in the most complex society system. We boasted we could reach the moon, we could travel much faster and further than any other moving beasts. We dream high, to heal every illness, to have the power to design the future of young ones, to own a perfect health reform in every countries. What more do we need, to score higher for the sake of our existence in this earth?

Yet our very best technology failed to predict when will the next earthquake be, to comprehend what's going on deep under the ground, to take precautions for the sake of saving lives. Yet our advanced communication means were not the best in times of hardship, to help others reaching the safety ground, before getting swept away by the amazing waves. Yet the birds were ahead in times, sensing the imminent threat and flying far far away before the ground dissolved. And YET, even the fishes, the water's own creatures, escaped ahead, swam far far away before the tragedy overwhelm their only shelters.

Now what else can we boast for?

"Father in heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.

O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.

And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy. ............." -John Piper-