Repent or Perish
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5
Sometimes bad things happen in the world. Accidents and even people intentionally hurting others. It is sad, but not new. Bad things have been happening in the world since sin entered in. Many have asked why? Why do bad things happen and sometimes to “good” people?
In today’s reading, Jesus was talking to a group of people who were asking this question, but they thought they knew the answer? They figured since something bad happened to them, they must have been bad people. Sounds a little superstitious, but Jesus said “no!” That is not the reason. He said that bad things happen in the world and can happen to anyone unless they repent and turn to Him.
I would remind you at this point about Jesus saying, “do not fear those who can kill the body but not the soul.” The truth is we probably all know some Christian who have passed suddenly, even tragically, but that doesn’t mean they were worse sinners than us all. Their body may be dead in this world, but they live on in eternity with their loving heavenly Father, Glory to God!
Here is my solution to conquering this fear and question of: could it happen to me or my loved ones? First of all, do as Jesus said and repent! Turn your life over to Him! You are for sure in better, safer hands when you are trusting Jesus! It doesn’t mean you will never have another problem and it doesn’t mean that you will never suffer lose, but what it does mean is He will get you through it all and protect along the way.
Secondly, press in! Press into your relationship with God your Father. Psalms 91 tells us to dwell in the secret place of the most High and live your life in His shadow of protection. Get into that secret place each day and listen and learn the direction and the protected places to live in. You may not have a perfect life, but it will be so much better than it is without Him.
Today I want to encourage you to not be afraid! Trust in Him to keep you safe and keep you protected. Just like you trusted Him for your salvation, you can ask and believe He will protect and watch over you and your family. He wants to guide you to His perfect path of righteousness, but it is up to you to follow that leading. If you have never invited Him into your life, do that today and then make yourself a secret place to be with Him each day. No matter how bad the world gets around you, He is stronger, and He is more dependable. He will get you through any circumstance that comes your way as you trust in Him.
Pray this prayer today: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior. I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me. Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today. I know Your Son, Jesus died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward. I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen
Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 13:1-5
1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
The Daily Dose 