“Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?” (Luke 13:2, 4)

Disaster is not earned or deserved; when we attribute bad things happening suddenly to people, it is not an indication that it is God’s judgment for extreme wickedness. “Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ “ ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ” (Luke 13:6-9) What does this mean and what is the relationship to tragedy? It illustrates God’s mercy and patience allowing multiple opportunities for people to repent of evil and follow righteousness. It relates to a  tragic death in that God’s mercy goes before us, though we all die He gives us every opportunity to pursue righteousness. I believe God knows what is in each person’s heart, mind and soul, such that He knows the point at which a person has committed themselves to an evil path. Is that the point their time on earth is completed? Who knows? A tree that never produces fruit is simply using up the soil for nothing.

God is watching over His creation. “Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” (Luke 13:18-19) God promotes goodness and righteousness, His Kingdom is advancing and the prosperity and growth of the human race is His work. Those who fear overpopulation and seek to restrict human expansion are opposed to God. Those who blame human existence for climate change, destruction of fragile environments, etc. are in error. Abortion, euthanasia, forced birth control, and other restrictions upon family growth and prosperity are all against God’s design for the earth. There are vast areas of habitable land where people could prosper. The enemy is behind all hate particularly that directed at the human race, and he never ceases to foment war, untimely death and all manner of accusations against God’s Children. Even so, God is Sovereign of the Universe.