The Tsunami

1. Tsunami:  : a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption; tidal wave

Thought for the Day: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

     I simply cannot imagine being in the presence of a tsunami.  Although a tsunami can be captured or illustrated for teaching purposes, to actually watch its occurrence and survive would leave lasting impressions.  I have read and listened to several individuals who are survivors of the tsunami that occurred in Thailand on December 26, 2004.  Their testimonies of that event has changed their lives forever.  One woman lost her husband, two sons and her parents; another woman lost her boyfriend while another individual lost his girlfriend.  These three are a very small sampling of the loss that occurred that morning in Thailand. 
     Can anyone detect when a tsunami will occur saving hundreds, possibly thousands of lives?  “Seismologists are geoscientists who study earthquakes and related phenomena, including the effects of explosions and the formation of tsunamis. These professionals gather data about shifts in the earth's crust through the use of seismographs and other instruments…their research has been instrumental in the development of such advances as tsunami warning systems.” (Referenced from Study.com.)
     It’s appears to us, as mere humans, we need an explanation to the whys of life.  We want answers and when we gather data that is understandable, we’re satisfied.  However, when rationalizations are not available, we tend to doubt the legitimacy of the subject matter.  After all, can’t science elucidate and defend all questions seen and unseen?
     
Mr. Webster defines science in this manner:  Science is:

• the knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths, or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method 
• such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena : natural science 
• a system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws

     It appeared a bit strange to me (a very non-scientific individual) that in order to define science, the terminology of science is needed to illuminate its verity.  Who defines the “general truths”, the “system of knowledge” or the “method reconciling practical ends” other than the method, the laws and natural science itself?  
     By this point of reading, you might be asking yourself, where are you going with this?  Tsunamis are occurrences of nature and there are scientific reasonings for their manifestations.  Correct.  But there will be occasions throughout our lifetime of events for which we will have no justification able to satisfy our human intellect.  Are these phenomena invalid?
     For instance, faith.  There are situations encountered in this human condition that need faith.  Do you have faith that wind exists?  Of course.  Why?   Science.  Science outlines through studies and curriculums exactly what wind is and how it happens, but can you see the wind?  You can feel the wind, view wind’s effect on the world around us, but because you may not actually see the wind, does the concept of wind become null and void? 
     There are numerous faith based manifestations for which you will not be able to see, only feel and believe through the workings of the Holy Spirit.  All these miraculous accomplishments were performed by the hand of Almighty God and penned into an historical book entitled the Bible.  The Bible has two parts, the Old and New Testaments that adhere to two Covenants, the Old Covenant written in the Old Testament and the New Covenant written about God’s Son, Jesus Christ in the New Testament.  The Old Covenant is based on the law and the prophets with a theme surrounding the protection of God’s chosen, Israel.  The New Covenant is based on salvation delivered in person by Jesus Christ exemplifying the theme Jesus came for all people, and focuses on mercy and the free gift of eternal life through belief in the resurrection of God’s Son.
     There is much history and descriptive writings in the Bible.  Historical movements and events of God’s chosen, Israel, is found cover to cover in the Old Testament upheld by the Old Covenant.  The New Covenant, covered with the sacrificial blood of the perfect Lamb of God, is described from cover to cover by eye-witnesses that walked with Jesus on the face of this earth.
     If you dig deep enough and study Biblical history thoroughly you will discover science does not contradict God’s Word.  God created science.  Why would He create a mode of study that opposes His very existence and that of His Son?  Science was created to walk hand-in-hand with God’s handiwork.  Have a little faith.

Thank you God for science and for those whose study of this subject has revealed how we can better protect ourselves from tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis.  You are a great and awesome mighty God and may we always give You the allegiance due your Name.  Amen!
     
      

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