The Master of Disaster

One of our recent posts mentioned what one poker player suggested was "an act of God" - when a burst of air in a bar flipped his cards face-up on the table, as he tossed them in to fold a hand.  It led us to ask a question.  Does God bring about disasters - either resulting from weather, or otherwise?

Christian groups have different schools of thought on this.  Let's use the recent Hurricane Sandy for an example.  It struck Atlantic City, New Jersey - a place with several casinos and plenty of gambling.  Was God sending a message, by stopping the games for days?  Some believers might quote....

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Disaster!  An unheard-of disaster is coming.... I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you; I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices.... Then you will know that it is I the Lord who strikes the blow. - Ezekiel 7:5-9

The phrase "wrath of God" is Biblical, occurring in some form in the book of Revelation seven times.  Why is it coming?

The wrath is God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.... - Romans 1:18

In reality, suppressing God's truth is only one of the reasons why God's wrath will be poured out.

But on the other hand, other believers turn to the words of Jesus when a disaster strikes:

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.  Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?  I tell you, no!  But unless you repent, you too will all perish." - Luke 13:1-3

Consider the Lord's words with care.  He did not say the suffering people of Galileans were sinners, while everyone else was pure.  The truth is that we're all sinners (Romans 3:23) - and we all need to repent, turning to Jesus Christ as our hope of salvation and eternal life.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you - even Jesus. - Acts 3:19-20

After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, we heard a veteran minister describe New Orleans as a "very sinful city."  We pointed out to him many cities are sinful.  Jesus Christ has to return to clean up all of them, and create a righteous Kingdom of God.

The first two chapters of Job remind us Satan can bring mishaps and disaster, if God grants permission for the devil to do it.  So in the final analysis, we probably won't know for certain which side created any particular disaster until Jesus comes back.  That return will be the most magnificent "act of God," with incredible blessings for all who believe.