“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
Jesus spoke about two tragedies that took place in the Book of Luke. There were several Jews worshipping God and King Herod killed them while they were making sacrifices. Also, there was a tower in Siloam that collapsed and killed 18 people. The disciples asked Jesus if these people who died were worse sinners than others and deserved this fate. Jesus responded with a decisive “no” and then urged them all to repent or face destruction.
The point of this story is disasters happen everyday around the world. No is immune from the possibility of a unexpected crisis or death. Are you ready for the unexpected?
Jesus is also explaining that you cannot judge people who suffer a tragedy or imply that they deserved this because of evil in their life. All people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This includes you and me.
Jesus exhorted all people to repent or they likewise will face death. This death can happen at any time but it is an eventuality for all. God wants you to be prepared for any adversity. This can be accomplished by turning away from sin in your life and reaching out to God.
Repentance is the act of asking God to forgive you for your sins and to have a genuine desire to lead a life pleasing to God. You can only see a glimpse of your personality but God sees all of you. He knows you much better than you know yourself.
Repentance is about house cleaning and it is a lifelong process. Ask God to show you any thoughts, motives, or actions that need to go away. He wants you to walk with a clean heart.
You want to be prepared for whatever comes your way. This can only be accomplished by making God the centerpiece of your life and seeking Him through prayer, the Word, and His Spirit.
The gift of eternal life is about living each day with God and drawing upon His vast resources of strength, wisdom, peace, and protection. It is a recognition of how inadequate you are and the need for almighty God to forgive and purity you with His virtue!
Hal Hollister Ministry 