Ordinarily, when God punishes a large number of people at once in a specific area he gives plenty of prior warning about it — see, e.g., the warnings in Obadiah about God’s impending judgement on Edom. There was no such prior warning from God about the earthquake in Haiti, therefore we are safe to conclude that the disaster was not a direct judgement from God.

What is important for us is that we don’t ‘stand aloof’ from people in need (Obadiah 1:10-11) — rather (Luke 6:31), we should help them (even if their situation is a punishment from God).

Also, it’s important that, from all disasters, we learn to see death as a tragedy, and that we realise that our life is as fragile as the people who are caught in any disaster — realising this should make us aware of our need for God.

{2} …”Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? {3} No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. {4} Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? {5} No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:2-5)

Tagged with →  
Share →

One Response to Was the earthquake in Haiti a punishment from God?

  1. Bibby Brilling says:

    However we are often counseled to be prepared for natural disasters (72 hour kits, etc.). Some could perceive that counsel as a warning.

Leave a Reply to Bibby Brilling Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *