Do you read newspapers and are frightened at the reports of collisions, disasters, wars, and scandals? Then be aware that accidents happen at all seasons. How astonishing that Jesus did not speak about the fault of those who caused distresses, knowing that every evildoer will be punished justly by God, even the kings, rulers, and governors, such as Pontius Pilate who mocked at the people, trod on there sacred feeling, and despised God, laughing at the sacrifice of atonement. So Jesus knew that injustice does not remain without punishment.
Christ guided his hearers to think: Why did the disaster happen only to a small number of certain people? They ought to have deserved death, for every man is condemned with sickness, distress, and death because of his disgusting sins. Thus we have no right to survive or enjoy, but are brought about step by step toward God’s destroying condemnation. Do not deceive yourself about your bad situation, for no man is good or righteous. All men live without God, corrupt in their thoughts and behavior. You and I deserve death this very moment. This, and nothing else, is the evident truth.
Jesus made apparent that those who were killed in the event were not more murderous than the others, though he confirmed that their punishment came directly from God. Nothing happens on our planet apart from his divine will. The history of mankind is often the history of God’s wrath.
Christ confirmed to us that there is no difference between big sinners and less sinful, between the godly and the evil, between the righteous and the unbelievers. Before God every man is abominable in nature, for his heart is full of evil thoughts. The impurity hidden in your mind is considered before the Holy One as dissolute fornication. So do not think yourself better than any criminal, for if you hate or reject anybody, you will be considered in the Lord’s eye as an evil murderer.
Be aware that each one of your sins is a transgression against the holiness of God himself, as he said, "Be holy, for I am holy." The Lord considers all your faults by thought, word, and deed as disobedience and mutiny against his eternal will. You are personally guilty before God in all your human nature.
Jesus guided his hearers to another thought: Why does God give them time, and not destroy them immediately, as he destroyed those upon whom the tower fell and were killed? Thus, in warning them about God’s wrath, he showed them a way out of the coming destruction. What do you think is the way out of wrath, condemnation, and destruction? There is no way but to return to God, discard pride, and confess with crushed heart: "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" Are you still haughty, and self-assertive, or are you seeking God with repentance and shyness? Do you criticize anyone around you, and judge your enemies with discontent, or do you know within yourself that you are the greatest sinner?
Christ does not only warn you about haughtiness, but he warns all men and peoples, calling them to return, for if we do not repent quickly, and change the situations of our society, then a new world war will devour us all, and stand us before the throne of the eternal Judge. Did you forgive your enemies their sins, and returned every penny you stole from others? Arrange your life as long as you live, for death is smiling at the door of your room.