When Jesus was told that Pilate had mixed the blood of
Galileans with their sacrifices, He asked this question; "Do you
think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other
Galileans because they suffered this way? … Or those eighteen who
died when the tower in Siloam fell on them - do you think they were
more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you,
no! "
Then Jesus gave us this message, "Unless you repent, you too will
perish." 1*.
If you have health and strength today do not suppose that God is
more pleased with you than with someone who is suffering some
terrible illness or bereavement. If God was to act in judgement on
each of us for our sins not one of us would escape! 2*. It is only "because of the
Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never
fail." 3*.
The fact that God has spared you and me until now is proof of His
continuing undeserved love and mercy towards us! 4*. For many people God's kindness to
them does not produce His intended results - God's kindness is
meant to lead you to love and obey God. 5*.
Jesus then told this parable to teach about God's love and patience
with sinners. "A man had a fig-tree, planted in his vineyard, and
he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said
to the man who took care of the vineyard, `For three years now I've
been coming to look for fruit on this fig-tree and haven't found
any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' `Sir,' the man
replied, `leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig round it
and fertilise it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then
cut it down.' " 6*.
The useless, fruitless fig-tree was spared a while longer - not
because it deserved it, but only that it might have a further
chance to become fruitful. If, after all the patience and attention
given to it, it still didn't change and become useful and fruitful
for the owner it would certainly be destroyed!
Don't forget what Jesus said. "Unless YOU repent, you too will
perish."
Has YOUR life been producing the fruit of Christ-likeness?
If not, God has been patient with you until now, but He is not
going to wait forever! 7*. Today He is offering you all you need to become
fruitful and pleasing to Him. He offers you forgiveness of your
sins 8*. and new
life. 9*. These life
changing offers can only be had through the Saviour God provided
for the world - His Son, Jesus Christ. 10*.
God has set the length of time your life is to be spared. If at the
end you are still found to be displeasing to God "you too will
perish", Jesus said.
Throughout the eternal ages of punishment that unrepentant sinners
will have to endure not one will ever be able to blame God for his
or her awful condition. They will realise God has had to treat them
that way because they refused to let Jesus, His Son, forgive
their sins and make their lives pleasing to God.
Will you perish?
Read Jesus' solemn warnings in Luke 13, verses 1-9.
Bye for now,
John Nixon, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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Bible quotations from N.I.V.
1 Luke 13:1-4.
2 Psalm 130:3. Romans
3:23.
3 Lamentations 3:22. Psalm
78:38.
4 2nd Peter 3:9.
5 Romans 2:4.
6 Luke 13:6-9.
7 Genesis 6:3.
8 Acts 10:39-43.
9 2nd Corinthians 5:17.
John 15:5.
10 1st John 4:14. John
3:16-19.
