A Warning From God

Luke 13:1-9

The authors of Aftershock, (John Wiley&Sons, 2010), a book about the economy and what the authors predict, describes the failure of modern economics to accurately predict the effects of actions on the economy. They point out, and accurately, I believe that out understanding of the world around us, our science, controls what we perceive as possible and do, our technology. The available technology determines what can and will be produced, the economy, and the economy has a major impact on the culture, and political system. Their conclusion is that the purported science of economics is based more on conjecture than on real science, leading to the economic crisis which started in late 2007.

They concluded that the primary reason for this was and is that people choose to believe what they find most satisfying whether it is supported by the evidence or not, changing only when forced to do so. Though they didn’t say it, science is largely controlled by our cultural values and politics. As we examine Jesus’ teaching in this passage, we are reminded how our cultural attitudes affect our understanding of the events around us.

“There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.” (Luke 13:1)

It is often hard for us to understand that the situation for Israel was similar to the present day Palestinian situation. They had a long tradition of having their own country, but were now under the domination of Rome. As a result, there were repeated uprisings, and severe and violent efforts to suppress them, just as we see today. Pilate’s actions to quash one groups insurrection was essentially the same as attacking a mosque to wipe out a terrorist cell.

Convinced that they were right and that God was supporting their cause, the Jews were forced to conclude that God allowed the Galilean rebels to be killed because they were more wicked than others, resulting in God’s rejection of their efforts. Any other conclusion raised doubts about their own behavior and beliefs.

“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.” (Luke 13:2-3)

Jesus was very specific that the disaster was not because these people were worse than others, but that in fact, the very ones asking were in danger of the same judgment because their behavior was equally repugnant to God. Paul asked in Romans 2:3, “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”

Jesus then pointed out that other groups had suffered similar fates, and that at least some were the direct result of God’s action. The Romans could not be blamed for some of the disasters. They were clearly God’s action. That the destruction was a result of their sin is never questioned, but only that they were worse than others.

“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)

It’s like those who believe the destruction of New Orleans by hurricane Katrina was God’s judgment. It was a hotbed of sin, and probably why God allowed such destruction. However New Orleans was no worse than a lot of other cities, and was just a warning that judgment can and will come on the entire United States if we don’t repent. Rather than judging them for their wickedness, we need to examine ourselves and correct our sin.

“He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” (Luke 13:6-9)

Frustrated by the fig tree’s failure to do what it was supposed to, the home owner gave orders to cut it down. The gardener recommended attempting a shock treatment, digging around it and cutting some roots, while fertilizing it heavily in hopes ov stimulating the tree to produce fruit. If it still produced no fruit it should be destroyed as worthless.

The destruction of the Galileans and the death of those at Siloam were a shock treatment to warn Israel of their need to obey God. If they did not, they would surely be destroyed, because they were just as wicked. A few years later, Israel was destroyed, and ceased to exist as a nation until 1948.

In a similar way, Nine Eleven, hurricane Katrina, and many other events are warnings to us that God is going to judge the world. Those who ignore the warnings will be destroyed. As Christians, we need to recognize what God is showing us about our own behavior, instead of judging others. Until we are doing what is right, we can’t very well influence others to do so.