About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” – Luke 13:1-5 (NLT)
In the above scripture, Jesus makes reference to two disasters that were well known in His day. One by the hand of man and the other was seemingly a natural disaster. People came to Jesus asking “why did this happen?” Similarly, we find our selves asking “why?” while watching the horrific scenes of the catastrophic fires nearby Athens, Greece. However, Jesus challenges us to rather ask “what does this mean to me?”
Jesus uses these events to emphasize that ALL are in urgent need of repentance. We all may pass at any time, so repentance must be a top priority. The victims in these instances did not think they would go so soon, but our time on this earth is unknown to us. You see Jesus’ focus is not on our time spent on this earth (and how it is cut short for some), but rather where we spend the rest of eternity. That is the greater question.
“I tell you, No; but unless you repent (change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish and be lost eternally.” – Luke 13:3 (AMPC)
As humans, we tend to try to rationalise tragic events, that there is some clear reason as to why bad things befall ourselves or others, that it is somehow deserved. However, Jesus re-focus’ our thinking from “why?” to “where will we spend eternity?”
“Measured against eternity, our time on earth is just a blink of an eye, but the consequences of it will last forever.”– Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
Life is short! We don’t have a moment to spare, let us heed the words of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Let’s change our mind, mend our ways, accept and pursue Him with everything we got! Spread the good news and point as many as we can to Christ.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” – Mark 1:14-15 (KJV)