Scripture reading: Luke 13:1–5

The Whirlwind

His way is in whirlwind and storm. (Nahum 1:3)

At about 2:00 on the afternoon of August 19, 2009, a tornado touched down in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, just south of the downtown area. It caused about 1,800 square feet of roof damage to the Convention Center and also toppled the steeple of Central Lutheran Church across the street. The cross on that historic church was left dangling from the roof in a precarious upside down position. Some two thousand delegates were meeting that week in both the Convention Center and the church for the national convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Interestingly enough, the primary item on the agenda that very day for the two o’clock afternoon session was a discussion and vote on a proposed statement on human sexuality. The storm outside was merely atmospheric. Inside the Convention Center another type of storm was brewing that threatened the very foundations of a great and historic denomination. Thankfully, no one was hurt by the tornado. However, it remains to be seen how much damage was caused by vote that took place inside.

Taking a brief recess because of the tornado, the delegates reconvened later that afternoon and passed a new statement (by a one-vote margin) that recognized the validity of chaste same-sex relationships. Later the delegates passed a motion that cleared the way for gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve in ministry positions in the church.

The prophet Nahum wrote centuries ago how God sometimes reveals his displeasure in the whirlwind and the storm (Nahum 1:3). Was God in the tornado that hit those Lutherans gathered in Minneapolis? Apparently, the majority of the ELCA delegates didn’t think so. But John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church also in Minneapolis, thought differently:

The tornado in Minneapolis was a gentle but firm warning to the ELCA and all of us: Turn from the approval of sin. Turn from the promotion of behaviors that lead to destruction . . . Turn back from distorting the grace of God into sensuality.

It is a tricky thing to interpret what God might be saying through “natural” disasters. One must be cautious. At times God is in the whirlwind. At other times, as Elijah discovered, he isn’t (I Kings 19:11). Apparently, God expects us to read the signs and interpret events for ourselves.

While I am reluctant to offer any definitive “explanation” for the Minneapolis tornado, I can say this with the full authority of God’s infallible Word to back me up: Those who sow the wind will indeed reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7).

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7–9).

But before anyone assumes that God’s coming wrath is limited to theological liberals or those involved in sexual perversions, think again. God’s wrath is coming soon on all those who refuse to repent and turn from their sins . . . whatever those sins may be. Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:5).

Those whom I love, I reprove and
discipline, so be zealous and repent.
—Jesus (Revelation 3:19)

point to ponder • Does God speak through “natural disasters”?

prayer focus • Help in removing the log in your eye.