A Christian Response to the Mississippi River Bridge Tragedy

I’m sure that your family, like ours, was shocked to hear the news of the total collapse of the 35W Mississippi River Bridge. And perhaps, like us, you wondered how Christians should respond to such a tragedy. Well, I certainly don’t have all the answers to that question, but here are some of my thoughts thus far.

First, as Christians, we ought to weep with those who weep and have much compassion on those who lost their lives, lost loved ones, lost vehicles, lost health, lost income, lost jobs, and the like. Christians should never rejoice when tragedy befalls others, rather they should be sympathetic, broken-hearted, and compassionate (Rom. 12:15; Prov. 24:17-18).

Second, as Christians, we ought to view tragedy as an opportunity to reflect on our own impending deaths, to search our own hearts, and to repent of any known sin (Luke 13:1-5). Tragedy ought not be for us an occasion to judge others, but rather an occasion to humble ourselves before God and others.

Third, as Christians, we ought to pray for a sense of urgency about sharing the gospel with non-believers. Although reports vary, certainly over 100,000 people die every day. We never know when it will be our last chance to share the gospel with a family member, friend, co-worker, or stranger.

Fourth, as Christians, we ought to affirm God’s holiness, righteousness, wisdom, and goodness in all his judgments, even when he allows a bridge to fall and people to die. He has every right to take every one of our lives at any moment, and that he does not should cause us to be in awe of him and give thanks to him. Tragedy ought not be an occasion for blaming God, but rather an occasion for thanking God for his undeserved goodness.

Mourning with those who mourn,
Pastor Charlie