This past week, Texans observed the second anniversary of the visit paid our area by Hurricane Ike. This unwelcome visitor did his damage 2 years ago in just a few short hours of fierce winds, violent tornados, torrential rainfall, and deadly flooding. The effect of the storm, however, was much more than short-term. Friends, neighbors, family, and volunteers from across the nation worked together for weeks to restore normalcy. Churches mobilized to work alongside the Red Cross and governmental agencies in response to the crisis. While most households have recovered from the storm, there are still some situations that have not yet been restored to pre-Ike conditions. Anniversaries of significant events from the past serve now as a challenge for how to live in the present. The Ike anniversary is a current events reminder for 2010.
God’s Word speaks to daily life now as memories of Ike are filtered through Biblical truth. One lesson from Ike is that Christians must treasure that which is truly valuable. Therefore, recognize the instability of earthly possessions. This reality is graphically illustrated in the photos from September 2008 and clearly taught in Jesus’ words and example. The most concise compilation of Biblical teachings on the real purpose of life is recorded in the gospel, penned by Matthew, spoken by Jesus, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. This passage is commonly referenced as the Sermon on the Mount. One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside & sat down. His disciples gathered around him, & he began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-2 In this outdoor setting, Jesus addressed many topics as He spoke of “greater values”, or life treasures. For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life… for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34
To paraphrase this lesson for 2010 … don’t treasure things that hurricanes like Ike will blow away. Place your greatest values in the priorities of the kingdom of heaven. Those greater values are expressed in your relationships with people. The words and teachings of Jesus offer piratical insight in how to live these greater values. Ike lessons understood in Sermon on the Mount principles offer insight in how to recover from past storms and to weather any potential disasters when and if they come.