Black body bags line the muddy streets where a long queue of distressed people snaked its way around broken twigs, house parts, and domestic debris.  Super Typhoon Yolanda left an aftermath of death and destruction. All around me was misery.  As we finally reached the city health center in Tacloban City, thoughts swept through my mind.   “Why do these disasters happen? Is this God’s punishment?” Our medical team was deluged with patients, victims from one of the deadliest storms ever recorded in the world. (Also referred to as Haiyan)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our country is no stranger to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters. Our nation has experienced tragedy and suffering on an enormous scale. These events have taken thousands of lives and displaced countless families. It’s natural to ask, “Why did these things happen?” or “What did we do to deserve this?”

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Jesus addressed the belief that tragic events, such as the deaths of Galileans under Pilate or the collapse of the tower of Siloam killing people, were punishments for sin. He challenges this idea, emphasizing that these tragedies weren't necessarily caused by greater sinfulness ( Luke 13:1-4).

 

The disasters we’ve witnessed are not necessarily signs of God’s judgment on those who suffer, but rather reminders of the fragility of life. They call all of us to reflect on our own relationship with God. Just as Jesus urged His audience to repent, He urges us today to make our hearts right with God, not because calamity may strike us, but because life is uncertain and the need for repentance is urgent. (Green, 1997)

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Promise of Hope

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We live in a world filled with suffering—natural disasters, violence, and personal tragedies. While suffering is a part of this world, it is not the end of the story.  God promises a future where He will restore everything to its rightful place. Revelation 21:4 gives a beautiful picture of this hope:

 

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

 

The brokenness of the world is temporary. In Romans 8:18, Paul reminds us that:

 

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

 

This hope is anchored in the resurrection of Christ and the promise of a new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more suffering or death. Until that time comes, Jesus calls us to live in repentance, meaning we should turn our hearts to God and trust in His saving grace (Marshall, 1978).

 

Repentance, Relationship & Adoption

 

Rather than asking, “Why do bad things happen?”, we should focus on our own lives and our relationship with God. Through repentance, we not only turn away from sin but also begin a new, profound relationship with God, becoming adopted into His family (Romans 8:15). It means we are no longer distant from God but are now His children, heirs of His promises.

 

Jesus encourages us to repent, not because disaster will certainly strike, but because it prepares us for eternal life with Him—a life free from pain, sorrow, and tears, as we live in the joy of being part of God’s eternal family (Ephesians 1:5; Revelation 21:4).

 

Open invitation for acceptance

 

Jesus Christ has already atoned for our sins through His sacrifice on the cross (1 Peter 2:24), and all we need to do is accept this gift of grace. By trusting in Jesus’ work of salvation, we receive the forgiveness and righteousness of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

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In doing so, we are no longer estranged from God, but we are welcomed as His beloved children, able to call Him Father (Ephesians 1:5). This relationship transforms our lives, giving us a secure place in His family and the assurance of eternal life with Him—where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or tears (Revelation 21:4).

 

Today, you are invited to repent and place your trust in God as your Father. Accept the forgiveness that Jesus has purchased for you, and walk in the newness of life, secure in the knowledge that you are loved, forgiven, and eternally His. 

 

This is not just about turning away from sin, but about stepping into a relationship with the God who loves you and has made a way for you to be with Him forever.

 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

 

Will you trust in Him today?

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If you do, then just say so. Whoever you are and whatever your background is, God hears and listens to the prayer deep inside your hearts and minds. 

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References:

Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke. Eerdmans.

 

Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary on the Greek  Text. Eerdmans.

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Scripture references are all available online. Just type the verse in your search engines.