Millions are affected by the Haitian earthquake on January 14, 2010 and tens of thousands are dead. The world shows its compassionate side as help and relief are rushed to the unfortunate country. And in all this human pathos and drama, while many are asking why?...why God? others are offering reasons for the disaster.
At the focus of the present heat is of course the inimitable Pat Robertson and his recent take on the Haitian earthquake!
So...I ask...is every disaster, natural or man influenced, a direct punishment from God?
Maybe we should take a look at some thing the LORD said in response to some folks as recorded in Luke 13:1-9: "There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish"
It is pretty obvious Jesus is stating that disaster did not overtake the Galileans and the other eighteen because they were sinners more than others.
It is not unusual for men to assume disaster overtakes people because of something evil they have done more than others. Recorded in the book of Job is the classic example of Job's baffling calamities being blamed on his supposed 'hypocritical, secret sins!'
We are being plainly cautioned by the LORD not to be judges nor to censure others because of catastrophes occurring in their lives. Rather the LORD cautions us to repent else we will also perish. Jesus uses the catastrophe as an object lesson and no one can accuse the LORD of not being compassionate and merciful!!!
Pat Robertson may come over as though he had 'foot in mouth' troubles but I do believe he is also in the thick of things with assistance to the earthquake victims.
It is pretty obvious Jesus is stating that disaster did not overtake the Galileans and the other eighteen because they were sinners more than others.
It is not unusual for men to assume disaster overtakes people because of something evil they have done more than others. Recorded in the book of Job is the classic example of Job's baffling calamities being blamed on his supposed 'hypocritical, secret sins!'
We are being plainly cautioned by the LORD not to be judges nor to censure others because of catastrophes occurring in their lives. Rather the LORD cautions us to repent else we will also perish. Jesus uses the catastrophe as an object lesson and no one can accuse the LORD of not being compassionate and merciful!!!
Pat Robertson may come over as though he had 'foot in mouth' troubles but I do believe he is also in the thick of things with assistance to the earthquake victims.
