“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart.” Joel 2:12
Every disaster brings with it a call to repent. Every disaster is a reminder that this world will not go on forever; it will end. God will roll it up like a scroll.
On one occasion, some people came up to Jesus and told him about an unspeakable atrocity—some worshipers in Galilee were attacked while in the act of offering sacrifices to God. And Pilate, the governor, intentionally mingled the blood of these people with their sacrifices (Luke 13:1). How could anyone do such an unspeakable thing to his own people?
This is the kind of question we ask when we hear about school shootings, and genocide, and acts of terrorism. Why do such atrocities continue to take place and what should be done about them? That was the question these people were bringing to Jesus.
Jesus’ response is one of the most astonishing things that our Savior ever said: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (13:3). Every disaster brings a call to lament and a call to repent for the people of God.
Have you become numb to “disasters,” or is your heart still tender enough to lament and repent? Think about your response to the last disaster you heard about. Ask God to soften your heart.
