Mercy for the living

The deadly tsunami should drive us to our knees in repentance | John Piper

From pulpits to news programs, from The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal, the message of the tsunami was missed. It is a double grief when lives are lost and lessons are not learned. Every deadly calamity is a merciful call from God for the living to repent. "Weep with those who weep," the Bible says. Yes, but let us also weep for our own rebellion against the living God. Lesson one: Weep for the dead. Lesson two: Weep for ourselves.

Repeat: Every deadly calamity is a merciful call from God for the living to repent. That was Jesus' stunning statement to those who brought Him news of calamity. The tower of Siloam had fallen, and 18 people were crushed. What about this, Jesus? they asked. He answered, "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).