When the Tower Falls

The sermon opens by explaining why the pastor chose the topic of 'the falling tower' at the end of the old year. The pastor explains that although people desire prosperity and happiness, suffering, loss, and trials are certain to occur in the coming year. Just as vaccination prevents disease before it occurs, the pastor wants to use Scripture to prepare listeners' hearts for approaching adversities. Jesus' words in John 16:33 affirm that everyone will experience tribulation in the world, but Jesus has overcome the world.

The sermon continues by presenting two tragedies from Luke 13:1-9: Jews killed by Pilate in a brutal manner at the temple, and eighteen people crushed by the falling tower of Siloam. These events symbolize most tragedies in life: some caused by humans (war, murder, evil), others happening unexpectedly (accidents, disease). The pastor notes that the core issue is not what type of tragedy occurs, but why some people suffer more hardships than others, leading to the common question: 'Why did this happen to me, to my family?' This question reflects a genuine dilemma that everyone has asked.

The pastor analyzes two common false perspectives on tragedy. The first is the religious/moral worldview, which holds that suffering is a direct consequence of sin—those who sin much suffer much, those who live morally receive blessings. This was the view of Job's friends and often appears in many people's thinking. The second is the atheistic perspective, which says the world follows the law of the strong prevailing over the weak, or that God is not merciful/not powerful. The pastor points out both perspectives are wrong. Instead, Jesus' answer emphasizes that those experiencing tragedy are not greater sinners than others.

Rather than answering 'why' tragedies occur, Jesus teaches twice that the proper attitude of believers must be repentance. The pastor explains this teaching has profound significance: we should not judge the sins of others as greater or lesser, but instead repent ourselves. Repentance is the door and key to forgiveness and salvation. When witnessing tragedy, we typically think of others' sins rather than our own. Jesus' teaching implies that all people deserve the 'tower to fall,' because all have sinned and deserve God's judgment.

The pastor emphasizes that repentance is necessary not only when sinning, but should characterize the entire life of every believer, even when life is prosperous and happy. The reason is that the root of sin is not breaking the law but placing ourselves in God's place. When life prospers, we often credit our own abilities instead of thanking God, or we place success, beauty, and power in God's place. Martin Luther said that God desires the whole life of believers to be repentance. The parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 illustrates God's grace—He grants us time and opportunity to repent, but this grace is not infinite. Jesus bore all the consequences of our sins on the cross, so we have the assurance that life is under God's providence.