Wayne Weekly “Towers and Windstorms”

As I write this it is the 16^th anniversary of the attack on our nation, which we have named nine-eleven, it also the tail end of hurricane Irma’s attack on Florida and points northward, and Harvey’s invasion of Texas and Louisiana, and don’t forget about the massive wild fires out west. All disasters. And regardless of how well we may end up handling these cataclysmic situations, we here in the United States just are not accustomed to under the mercy of nature, or a terrorist group.

It’s very possible that some might blame the disasters on sin. They say God is sending judgement on our nation, or maybe specifically an area of the US, for largely forsaking Him and turning to Godless ways. I’ve heard the arguments from those who call that foolishness, and from those who call it the divine hand of the Almighty.

I recall some reporting to Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. Jesus answered by saying “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate?” He continues, “I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Lk.13:1-3)

Wait a minute, Jesus seems to say that the Galileans were no worse than those who are reporting the story to Jesus. It doesn’t explain whether the death of those by the hand of Pilate was divine judgement, or just a happenstance of life in a fallen world.

Jesus continued, “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Lk.13:4-5)

It’s easy to point the finger of condemnation toward others who have suffered tragedy. But here the Lord Jesus is warning that we’re all in the same boat, and here he preaches repentance from sin. He never clarifies here whether tragedy comes upon a person as a direct result of their sin or not, but points out that someday we will likewise perish if we don’t “repent”.

I do know that God judges nations, and that will become even more prevalent in the days ahead. But did he cause disaster in Texas and Florida because Texans and Floridians are greater sinners than we are in New York…I hardly think so. Were all those who perished in the World Trade Center more wicked than we are?

So, the question, “Are the devastating acts that we have recently witnessed divine judgement, or the result of living in a sin cursed world…or both?”

As for all of us, we are reminded that God demands repentance from sin on a personal level. As the writer of Hebrews said;

“It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”     Hebrews 10:31