Are The Hurricanes God's Judgment?


There was a terrible tragedy that occurred in Jerusalem during Jesus' days on earth. A tower fell and killed 18 people. Every loss is tragic, but larger ones are always harder to process. All the more we're compelled to ask the "why" question and seek for answers. It would appear that some in Jerusalem were saying this was a judgment from God. These people must have sinned in some severe way that caused God to judge them for their sin. When Jesus spoke about the tower He offers a very different perspective.

"Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?" Luke 13:4.

Let those words sink in for a bit. Jesus responds with a question about guilt. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. So if towers are falling on people for sin in Jerusalem this sure wasn't a time to be wagging the finger in condemnation. If you think the tower fell on those folks because of their sin you better put a helmet on because you've sinned also.

When we say things like, "9-11 was because NY is evil," "Katrina came to New Orleans because of Mardi Gras," or "Irma hit Florida because Miami calls itself Sin City,"  we imply that we are in some way better than the people of these cities. Jesus' response would be, "Do you think those folks are more guilty than you?"

Disasters aren't a time to condemn our fellow man. Rather they're a reminder to all of us that we all fall short, life is a vapor, things perish, and we all need grace.

I called NY home for 23 years, and I watched the towers burn not on TV, but with my own eyes. It was a frightening time for us. In the days that followed we heard folks declare that we were being judged for our sins. Is NY sinful? Sure, but so is every other town and city in America. We also saw others run to the city to help us. Let me assure you that far more were drawn to Christ through demonstrations of kindness rather than words of condemnation. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." Romans 2:4.

I encourage all of us to show the love of Christ by helping those in need in times of destruction knowing that we are just as guilty of sin as any of them. Telling an elderly couple who has lost their flooded home that this was God's judgment probably isn't going to lead them to faith. Giving them a safe place to stay, a warm bed, and something to eat just might.

Following the Son,
James A Williams

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