devotional post #1,990

Luke 13:1-5

Luk 13: 1 Now there were some present at that time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
Luk 13: 2 He responded to them, “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered these things?
Luk 13: 3 No, I tell you! But unless you repent, you will all be destroyed as well!
Luk 13: 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them, do you think they were worse violators than all the others who live in Jerusalem?
Luk 13:5 No, I tell you! But unless you repent you will all be destroyed as well!”

general warnings

Every time disaster strikes, or someone dies unexpectedly, our hearts are prone to ask “why?” Jesus does not leave that question unanswered. He tells his followers straight up that such deaths are not specific punishment. But he does warn that specific punishment is coming to everyone who refuses to repent and join his kingdom. So, such tragedies serve as a general warning for everyone. Judgment is not happening today, but it will happen. Today’s age of grace includes some tragedies which make us all think.

LORD, give us wisdom to respond appropriately to the general warnings all around us.