September 30, 2018: SOAP #3223:  Zechariah 7-9; Luke 13

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 13:1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 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? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Observation:   Governmental leaders often to terrible things to people.  Natural disasters happen to people.  These things are no indication that those who suffer under evil governments or die in natural disasters are worse sinners than other people who have not suffered in similar ways.

The truth is that all who live have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Every person needs to confess their sins (Romans 10:9-10).

Application:  Earthquakes, tsunamis, government sponsored terrorism, etc.—those suffering are not worse sinners than the rest of men.  The horror of such suffering is terrible, but it pales when compared to eternity in hell.  We have all sinned and will perish in hell unless we repent and receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you that you have been faithful to show me truth.  Jesus, thank you for providing the means of my forgiveness.  Holy Spirit, thank you for continuing to reveal areas for which I need to repent and receive the available forgiveness.  Thank you for the wonderful gift of salvation!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!