The wildfire burnt the city of Los Angeles in early 2025. Some preachers said that it was judgment of God, and connected to the tribulation times in the Book of Revelation. Some voices condemned such preachers from among Christians and others outside the church. Such disasters, accidents, and destruction could be warnings, or punishments, or judgment. Of course, all judgments and punishments are also warnings calling people to repentance.
Warning: It is normal to think that only good things happen to good people, and evil to evil people. It is a desire of people that God allows only good things to good people. However, the Lord corrected the erroneous thinking. With that mindset, some people questioned two incidents about the Lord Jesus Christ. The fall of the Tower of Siloam killed eighteen people, and Pontius Pilate mixed some human blood of Galileans with sacrifice. (Luke 13:1-15) People who spoke with the Lord thought the Galileans were innocent, but He reminded them that unless you repent, you too will all perish. All were and are guilty. (Romans 3:23) Such incidents and accidents warn people to wake up from slumber, repent, and be reconciled with God.
Punishment: The defeat of Israel while they fought with Ai was a punishment. Israel had sinned. Though it was one individual, his family was an accomplice as they did not object, God punished the whole nation. (Joshua 7:11) Punishment was for the whole nation as they allowed sin to enter their community or nation. They failed to be on guard.
Judgment: God pronounced judgment on Achan and his household. They were stoned to death. (Joshua 7:25-26) The judgment was executed, and it was a public event, a warning to all, not to violate the laws of God. Another example of judgment is the drowning of Pharaoh and his six hundred chariots with soldiers in the Red Sea. Pharaoh commanded the newborn boys of Hebrews to be drowned in the River Nile. Lord judiciously executed vengeance by drowning in water. (Exodus 15:4,5)
Do I realize that if I do not repent, I perish?