Read Luke 13 – 14
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. Luke 13:4-5 KJV
This is an interesting question and answer posed by our Lord. Of this incident and the eighteen which perish at the collapse of the tower in Siloam nothing else is known. Apparently this tragedy had been generally interpreted by people in Jerusalem as evidence of special judgment from God for the sinfulness of those involved. We often rush to the same faulty interpretation when tragedies occur today. As a preacher, I am ashamed to admit preachers are often the first to speak in this way. Jesus points out the shallowness of such thinking. A tragedy does not make one a greater sinner than another. We are all sinners deserving the judgment of God. Tragedies are just that, tragedies and often there is nothing to change them. But something can be done about sin, which we are all guilty of. To avoid God’s judgment of sin, we have the opportunity to repent and turn to Him.
Lord, please keep me from rushing to judgment of those who are often caught in unexpected tragedies, instead help me to use such occasions as a reminder of the shortness of live and the need for repentance in my own life.
A question to ponder: When someone dies unrepentantly, do I wonder what sin they committed, or do I take it to heart and make sure of my own relationship with the Lord?
