I didn’t see the interview, but my wife reported that Franklin Graham unfortunately attributed the events in Blacksburg to a powerless god who was unable to control the actions of Satan (or something to that effect). The implication was that this event was somehow beyond God’s control or concern.
While I appreciate Mr. Graham’s efforts at evangelization, that fact remains that his view of God’s sovereignty in the wake of tragedy leaves much to be desired. What hope can you offer to people when your god is less than the absolute sovereign of the universe? If God was powerless to save the folks in Blacksburg, how do we know He is powerful enough to save us from our sins?
On his web site, Graham writes: “Having traveled to disaster and war areas around the world, I am often asked why God would allow such acts of destruction or violence upon innocent people; and while I can’t know the whole mind of God I do know two things. First, God created us. Second, God loves us and desires that all would come to Him.”
The only biblical and thus truly comforting response is to acknowledge that all things are under God’s direct control, and He orders all these things to His glory and to the benefit and blessing of those who love Him.
“Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, When the Lord has not commanded it? 38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That woe and well-being proceed?” (Lam. 3:37,38)
The gospel of Jesus Christ involves more than just owning a personal fire insurance policy. It is about the triune God who does all things well, even if we do not understand. It’s about a God who has conquered Satan, and what we experience today is just the effects of some skirmishes during the mopping up operation. Franklin Graham did not say that in his message.
God is in control of everything and nothing escapes His active scrutiny. If Franklin Graham can’t say that without hesitation then his “good news” rings a bit hollow.
That is not what I heard.