"Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners
than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus?
I tell you, No;
but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."
Luke 13:2-3
WORSE SINNERS AND OFFENDERS
God does not look upon your sins but on your faith and willingness to be a better person.
The Lord cited unfortunate events that involves people who are worse sinners and offenders. He then made it clear that in the eyes of the Lord, all people are equal. What matters is their willingness to repent from their sins.
I had a long conversation with my brother regarding this topic and I believed that God's word for me today is His confirmation of my thoughts regarding what I shared. I may not be a preacher addressing a large crowd, but the Lord made me preach to a single soul that is in dire need of Him.To me, repentance is not the key to salvation but it is the way towards receiving God's mercy and grace. Only by God's grace can we all be saved but there is a need for us to turn from sin and amend our lives. This we do not do for the Lord but for our own sake so that we may enjoy life to the full.
UNLESS YOU REPENT
It is always fitting to remember that the Lord's thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. He knows all our thoughts and man's way of thinking. This is the reason why His answer started with the question "Do you think?"
People who followed Jesus thinks that they are less sinners but the Lord spoke to them of the truth. All have sinned against God and regardless of how great our sins are, we will perish unless we repent.
To repent means to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life, to feel regret or contrition, or to change one's mind.
It is only by way of changing our way of thinking that is moved by a contrite heart to feel sorry for our sins can we inherit the eternal life that God had promised us through Christ.
Father in heaven, forgive us our sins . . .
I confess that I have sinned against you and I feel sorry that I have offended you. There are no excuses nor justifications in my wrong doings and it is all my fault. I am no better than the rest but only by your grace and mercy can I live in accordance with your will and purpose.
May your love and compassion be upon me always through Christ. Amen.
Gospel
Luke 13:1-9
There were some present at that very time who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. (Lk 13:1)
And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus? I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Lk 13:2-3)
Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Silo'am fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Lk 13:4-5)
And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, `Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?' And he answered him, `Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'" (Lk 13:6-9)
Published: March 3, 2013 - 7:44AM
