It is dangerous to conclude that specific calamities are the direct result of sufferers’ sins. When the disciples asked Jesus whether a man was born blind because of his own or his parents’ sin, Jesus replied, “Neither, but so the works of God might be displayed.” (John 9:3) Jesus then gave him sight. When others concluded that when Pilate mingled certain Galileans’ blood with their sacrifices because of their unique sins, Jesus replied, “No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will also perish. ” (Luke 13:3)
“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Do Not Be Deceived
Nevertheless, the Bible is replete with examples of God visiting ruin on cities and nations that were notoriously sinful, defiant against God and anti-Christ, e.g., Egypt, Sodom, Jerusalem (twice), and the entire world of Noah. In our recent times, N.Y.C and D.C. experienced 9-11 and L.A. has been destroyed by fire. Is it just a coincidence that these proud metropolises are also known for their excesses and exports of blasphemies against God/Christ and abominations against God’s revealed truth and morality? “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
Today is the Day!
Natural (acts of God) and man–made (through incompetence, neglect or wickedness) catastrophes should all point us to the inevitable and imminent end of this world and Day of Judgment when Christ returns. Jesus tells us how to interpret the signs of the times: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Today is the day of God’s extended grace and invitation. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Repent and renounce your sin and believe and follow Christ as your Savior and Lord, so there will be no eternal misery and regrets. You won’t be able to say you haven’t been warned.
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
