1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.  (John 9)

Human tragedy rears its head often.  The senseless shootings, natural disasters, religious persecution, and unexpected deaths never seem to cease.  Throughout history we see a common theme, man experiences tribulation and questions God why. 

The Jewish leadership believed in a direct tie between a person’s blessing or cursing and their righteousness by works before God.  The source of this doctrine was likely multiple Old Testament scriptures, such as Genesis 12:3, Proverbs 3:33, etc.

In John 9 (above) we see Jesus being questioned by the rabbis, possibly hoping to trap him, but also maybe out of curiosity.  As God, Jesus set the record straight.  Our calamities do not necessarily occur because of our goodness or badness.  We are all tested, we all go through trials.  Horrible things happen.  God allows these events to occur, so that His Saints become more sanctified (Christ-like), so His attributes are displayed, that we connect with Him through prayer, and even that unbelievers are driven to Him.

As the loving Father He is, God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), just like a loving parent does to their children.  He sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people.  As Christians we don’t always know why, but we accept it.  We can be certain all things are work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  It may seem senseless, but not a single event occurs without God allowing it for good.  He has the timeless view of all things, we don’t.

We must acknowledge that God’s love for us is unfathomable.  He sacrificed Himself in every way possible for us.  We look forward to an eternity in a new world with no tears (Revelation 21:4).  Until then we come together in support and prayer for those affected, to prevent future tragedies, and in reverence for our creator who is accomplishing His will in love for us.  Our broken hearts will be comforted just as King David’s was when penning Psalm 34: 

    15      The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,

    And His ears are open to their cry.

    16      The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,

    To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

    17      The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,

    And delivers them out of all their troubles.

    18      The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,

    And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

    19      Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

    But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

God bless,

Ron