Daily Devotionals

In all their troubles he was troubled (Isaiah 63:9).

Undoubtedly, it is the most horrific part of a long history of pain and suffering. It is known as the Holocaust, a term uniquely used to describe the planned destruction of the Jewish people by the Nazis during World War II. How can one comprehend the murder of six million Jews—which included one and a half million children? The fact that an additional five million non-Jews perished in the concentration camps should also make Yom HaSho'ah (Holocaust Day) a day for all people to contemplate.

While the satanic plot to destroy the Jewish people will never be fully comprehended, it has left many living casualties who struggle with the impossible question: Where was God in all this? There are no simple answers, but we must have the courage to look at the different aspects of this tragic time. In the above Scripture, Isaiah the prophet tells us about God's heart. God was not absent from his universe when Israel was afflicted; indeed, he grieved over the suffering of his people. Why didn't he act? Actually, he acted more than we might think. Although one-third of our people perished in Europe, we should stop to consider the two-thirds who survived, many of whom helped to establish the modern State of Israel.

We may never entirely understand the events of that day, but let us listen carefully to our Father to know exactly what he was feeling. Justice will prevail, if not now, then most definitely in the Olam HaBa (the Age to Come). Many people are tempted to blame God for such evil; rather, we should ask the question, "Where was man?" The Holocaust underlines the fact that mankind can shrink to incredible lows if we turn away from God's ways. What does Yom HaSho'ah mean to you?

...repent of any attitude or action which is inconsistent with the character of God.

BK