PODCAST
Disaster or Renewal
July 24th, 2013
Amos 9:1-15
Good Friday, 1964, an earthquake struck North America near Seward, Alaska. Forty railroad tankers had just been loaded with aviation fuel. Before the shaking stopped, the city’s generator ignited the railroad cars. Thirteen of Seward’s citizens perished. Railroad and highway bridges to Anchorage were destroyed. The residents of Seward were cut off from the outside world.
In the months after the quake, discouraged people departed on the marine highway. Many thought Seward, Alaska, would not survive. It had no working infrastructure. The railroad docks were gone. The fishing fleet was destroyed. It was devastation.
The grim reaper did not have the victory. The earthquake destroyed the old which was inadequate for the future. Bridges were rebuilt stronger and larger. Improved water and septic systems were installed. Seward is now the number one tourist destination in the state of Alaska.
Sinful Israel was destroyed to prepare for a new and faithful Israel. Destruction is not the final word. There will be new beginnings for God’s restored people.
Author: Blair F. Rorabaugh
