It's been a few years since I've written about the amazing correlation between large-scale events that defy God and corresponding disaster. Back in September 2004, I wrote about Bill Koenig's research into the U.S. Government putting pressure on Israel on the same day that hurricanes hit our country. Many pass these off as coincidences, but it's hard to do so when such things are so consistent and so often repeated. In August 2005, he linked Katrina to the Gaza withdrawal. If I remember correctly, there was also a major gay-pride festival going on at the same time, in New Orleans – a bit of a double wammy. Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires, etc. often occur at the same time the U.S. government is pressuring Israel to give up land, or when there are major events or legislation going on in regards to homosexuality, pornography, or abortion.
With that said, it not only didn't surprise me to read an article written yesterday by John Piper; I was kicking myself for not having figured it out myself. The ELCA was in town with their annual convention this week. On the agenda was a discussion on whether or not the synod would (or should) allow open homosexuals to serve as clergy. During the very hour the discussion was on the agenda, a tornado formed unexpectedly just south of the convention, moved north to where the convention was being held, then lifted. Fortunately (as far as I know) no one was hurt.
In and of itself, it seems a strange coincidence. However, there is a clearly established history that suggests this was no coincidence. I, for one, praise God that He would interfere in our lives in such a way as to make it clear we are doing wrong. I also praise Him for doing it in such a way as to make Himself clear without hurting anyone, giving them chance to repent.
As Jesus said after a tower fell and killed 18 people, and Piper quoted “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? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5) Let us not ignore such events, or pass them off as mere coincidence, lest we likewise perish.
