As we see the birth pangs - earthquakes, weather disasters, pestilence - taking place, like the typhoon that just hit the Philippines, you will hear many say this is God's judgment. They will say God is getting back at the Philippines for their Catholic idolatry or their tolerance of sin. No matter where the disaster hits, many will sit in judgment over that location with a self-righteous voice of condemnation thinking no storm will befall them for they are so good.
The book of Revelation reveals the coming wrath of God and this ain't it. For now, disaster befalls saints and sinners alike. We are in no position to look down upon people who are suffering as if we're up on some holy pedestal. When I see professing Christians make such pronouncements against victims of natural disasters, I can sense the Holy Spirit being grieved. Now is not the time to point fingers, but to lend a helping hand. These sorts of proclamations of condemnation against hurting people give all Christians a black eye before an onlooking world.
Jesus had to straighten out His followers when they made similar assumptions.
"There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.'” - Luke 13:1-5
We are all worthy of judgment and only pass out of judgment when we are redeemed by the LORD. But we all are still possible victims of coming tornadoes, hurricanes, illness, and towers falling.
It is an insensitive and ungodly response to those in pain to tell them God is judging them. Those who do that better look out for falling rocks or even towers.
From an aging regenerate hippie - We could all use a little bit more peace and love in a world filled with hate.
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." - Rom 13:8
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." - 1 Jn 4:7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMnHutmo7OM
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