Malcolm Hedding, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
September 2, 2005

As usual, the judgment pundits have rushed to link the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina with the Gaza withdrawal. America is being judged because of its foreign policy and pressure that is being directed towards Israel. This is the thesis and it is wrong!

To be sure, America is being judged and there is no doubt that Katrina is evidence of this. However, to jump from this position to a linkage with Israel is not only breathtaking but pure presumption.

A Challenge to the Heart

This temptation to link judgment with particular events is not new. The Disciples of Jesus were on the same spirit. For them a tragedy like the town of Siloam falling upon people and killing them was evidence of special sin and judgment. Jesus firmly rebuked this simplistic analysis (Luke 13:1-5). In fact, He challenged their heart attitude and warned them that judgment hangs over all men and that as a consequence they need to repent.

How strange it is that sometimes evangelicals rush headlong into the wish for retribution. In my view, this is no expression of the will, purpose and love of God and we should be very careful about making these sweeping claims!

For sure, as I stated, Katrina is evidence of judgment. This is warning to all of us and to all of our nations! It is for American prophets in the church to interpret these events in the nation. We will stand alongside our American friends and pray for them and seek by all means to hear their pain. Just as we are doing with the settlers who have left Gaza.

A Time to Cry out for Mercy

It must be noted that the USA is and has been a very special friend to Israel. This nation, in the face of global antagonism, has guaranteed Israel's existence with words and deeds. It is not for us to presume that because of disengagement she has now been judged.

If this is the case then what will happen to Israel? Through her national democratic process the nation voted for disengagement. Should we now expect similar chaos and judgment in her borders and what of the hundreds of nations that are openly and aggressively against everything that Israel stands for?

No my friends, be careful. "Vengeance is mine", says the Lord and we should back away from playing God! It is not time to pronounce judgment but to humble ourselves, repent and call upon God for mercy. Mercy for ourselves and for all of our nations.

Most of all, let us rise from the place of prayer and repentance to share the love of God with all who need it.

For if we do not repent we will all likewise perish - Jesus of Nazareth.

Malcolm Hedding is the Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.