Righteous or Wicked Residents?

ARE RESIDENTS IN MURFREESBORO MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN RESIDENTS IN NASHVILLE? ARE RESIDENTS IN NASHVILLE MORE WICKED THAN RESIDENTS IN MURFREESBORO?

After all, one city suffered flooding rains, while the other only above average.

While I would not negate the likelihood that weather-related disasters are Divine calls to regional and national repentance, we must never presume that individually these incidents indicate personal sin or righteousness. Listen to the following lesson taught by Rabbi Yeshua:

Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
- Luke 13:1-5

Rather than speak of judgment, we should always see another’s disaster as an opportunity for us to come to their aid. We are called to rescue others, to strengthen them in dealing with tragedy and loss, crisis and hardship.
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10).
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Now you are Messiah’s body, and individually members of it” (I Cor. 12:26-27).

How can we mobilize ourselves to help? Bail out water from basements, move items, bring food and water, shelter our homeless? While this may need to happen now, we can also plan to go after Shabbat Service Saturday to homes in need.

This Thursday, May 6, is the National Day of Prayer. We can show our seriousness to seek God’s Face and favor for our Land by gathering with others at the Grand Ole Opry for the evening, as well as other locations. As this week’s Torah portion teaches in Leviticus 26:40-46, we need as did Israel, to turn to God for His forgiveness and healing. If we confess, He will remember. We confess our rebellion and unfaithfulness; He remembers His covenant. Nationally we may be under judgment. But repentance will bring healing to our land. The Lord will restore us and realign us from our selfish ambitions to His eternal purpose.