Lessons from the California Fire 2018

The California Fire (now, November 2018) is a big thing.  Whole town is on fire.  31 fatalities and the count is rising.

Of course God knows about the raging fire. But since God is merciful, and Christians are praying, so why God is not acting?

The simple answer, gleaned from all the Israelite-events (except one**) recorded in the Old Testament, is that the omni-present God has turned His face away, waiting for the people to come back to Him.  I do hope the Californian people will respond positively and seek God again.

The only exception** in the Old Testament where the godly suffered immensely, is JOB.  JOB suffered beyond what he could bear, all because God trusted his godliness, and permitted satan to test him.

God has kind words for all who turn to Him.

"Behold the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save;
Neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear."
"...If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Isaiah 59:1, 2 Chronicles 7:14.

There is Hope.

GRACE - A new era

Dake's Annotated Bible mentions that after the birth of Christ, this era is the 'Dispensation of Grace'.

Now, as I read the Old Testament this week, I encountered my favorite verse 2 Chron 7:14 again:
If my people who are called by My name
- humble themselves
- and pray,
- and seek My face
- and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will 
- hear from heaven,
- will forgive their sin,
- and heal their land.
So in the Old Testament era, we need to do 4 things, then God will do 3 things.

Now, in the New Testament, my favorite verse is John 3:16:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
So in the New Testament era, we do not have to do anything.  We just believe in Him.

This is Grace.  We are saved NOT because we deserve it, NOT because we work for it.  

It sounds funny and too simple.  But the LORD is near to all who call upon Him. (Ps 145:16).  Dispensation of Grace.