A Precious Few

Michael E. Wood
March 18, 2011

Luke 13:2-5 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

This passage came to mind as Dianna and I have been keeping up with the recent events taking place in the aftermath of the great earthquake and tsunami that took place in Japan, March 11, 2011. We are quite appreciative for the post by John Starke, March 13, 2011, on The Gospel Coalition blog entitled, “Update from Japan: How You can Pray.” The article is well worth the time to read to have a better understanding not only of how to pray in the context of the events taking place but of how God remembers mercy in the midst of judgment.

In judgment God remembers mercy
O’re all His hands have made,
And humbles the great pride of men
With all the plans they laid.
For as He makes the earth to quake
And makes the waters roll,
Tis but a glimpse of things to come
And greater then the toll.

Oh, do you think that all
Who perished in; around Honshu
Were greater sinners of our God
Than me or even you?
For in that darkened region
There indeed a precious few
Were taken home to be with Christ;
His followers, He knew.

Oh the joy they now partake
As in the presence of
Our great eternal God and King
Whose Name alone is Love.
Oh let the gospel call go forth
From Christ to all we’re sent.
For all will likewise perish
Who from sin will not repent.

For Jesus speaks the same today.
His words tell forth His worth,
As by the Spirit and the blood
We’re given second birth.
Oh Father help us til the day
You bring an end to time,
And judgment rolls; revealing
All You knew, as we are Thine.