A Devotional Thought From Luke's Gospel

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, 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 13:2-5

Terrorism, natural disasters, and accidents have always been a part of life in this world since the fall of man. Jesus notes two that happened during His time of ministry on earth. As some sort of punishment for some crime or slight, or disagreement the procurator of Palestine had a number of Jewish worshipers executed, and in the town of Siloam a building fell, perhaps from neglect or poor building materials, or some other cause. Eighteen died there. And, Jesus asks His hearers if they think those who died in these incidents were sinners more than they were themselves. Then He answers His own question, No.

They are sinners just like those who died. They are no better, and Jesus cryptically adds, if you all do not repent you will likewise perish. I’m wondering whether all of these deaths were people without faith in the living God. Except for those caught away in the rapture when Jesus comes for the church, every human being will die, and if they die without faith in the true God, Jesus Christ, they will likewise perish, savagely, tragically, needlessly like the unsaved of biblical days.

Repentance is a word our free swinging, do what you like, don’t let anybody judge you culture does not like to hear. But if people do not repent of their sins and trust in Jesus, who died for their sins, they shall someday likewise perish. The gospel says it this way For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).