"We cringe at God's justice because its expression is so unusual . . . God's usual course of action is one of grace. Grace no longer amazes us. We have grown used to it; we take it for granted . . . We have come to expect God to be merciful. From there the next step is easy: We demand it. When it is not forthcoming, our first response is anger against God, coupled with the protest: 'It isn't fair.' We soon forget that with our first sin we have forfeited all rights to the gift of life. That I am drawing breath this morning is an act of divine mercy. God owes me nothing. I owe Him everything. If He allows a tower to fall on my head this afternoon, I cannot claim injustice."
