When Tragedies Occur
And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” Luke 13:4-5 NLT
An explosion at a steel plant near Pittsburgh recently took the lives of two people and injured an additional ten. It seems that such tragedies happen all the time—bad news upon bad news.
This story brought to my memory another tragedy that the Lord Jesus spoke about in Luke 13. While we don't know all the details, a tower fell, killing eighteen people. It was obviously a well-known accident, because He gives no further details.
This accident mentioned in Luke 13 reminds us of several lessons. First, these types of things have been occurring for a very long time! They are not new. Second, sometimes bad things do happen to people because of no fault of their own. Jesus is making the point that the eighteen killed were not "the worst sinners" who were being judged. We live in a broken world, and bad things happen. Third, this story reminds us all that we need to be ready in case something bad happens to us. Even if we make it unscathed through this life, we are still going to die. And after this life, there is eternity. Heaven or Hell. And only salvation through Jesus Christ ensures entrance into heaven. Fourth, and finally, this story reminds us that we need to help others to be prepared when their time comes to die. They, too, need to repent and believe.
Stories like what happened in Pennsylvania break our hearts. We need to be praying for those recovering and for the families who lost loved ones. In this way, we can minister to them even if we've never met them.
Dear Father in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. We pray for those in Pennsylvania reeling from this tragedy, and for others all over the world who are dealing with similar troubles. Please help us to help others to be ready when their time comes to die. Save sinners for Thy glory. In the Savior's Name we pray, Amen.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/explosions-us-steel-plant-leaves-two-dead-10-injured-2025-08-11/