When God Says …
“There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5 KJV).
These passages demonstrate that in suffering does not mean victims are worse sinners than others that are spared, as happened to some Galileans. Hence, it draws to the Lord’s call for all to repent not for behavior modification, but as mindset transformation, specifically, moving from self-righteousness to resting in grace by faith in Him in order not to perish. The Lord Jesus quashes the idea that tragic deaths are direct punishments for specific sins. This also reminds us that true repentance is not a display of remorse by religious rituals of indulgence and penance. True repentance is coming into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, rest in His grace by faith. Then, let the Holy Spirit lead in every aspect of living. In a darkened and sinful world tragic events happen. What matters is that we are secure in the mighty hands of God in Christ Jesus.
The core message of the Gospel of the Grace of God is to stop relying on self-effort of trying hard to follow the law of thou shalt and thou shalt not. Instead, we must choose to trust in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross for our salvation and eternal life.
This brings to light the tragic deaths of Galileans and tower victims—as warnings against viewing catastrophes as divine punishment for sins. We must know that the enemy of our soul - the devil, brings destruction, while our Lord Jesus brings life. We must shift our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ and rest in the comfort of His rhythm of grace by faith. In our walk of life, we follow the unction of the Holy Spirit guided by the light of His Word, which is the lamp unto our feet and light unto our path (Psalms 119:105). We rest assured that God is not a punisher (John 3:17), and that we should not live in fear, but rather rely on His grace and love.
Remaining unrepentant, one is certain to perish these passages remind. When the gentiles repented and received the Holy Spirit upon hearing the message of the Gospel, the disciples were in awe. It is written: “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”” (Acts 11:18 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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