News of the “Temple Massacre” had begun to spread around town. Pilate had brutally murdered several people as they were worshiping. But he just didn’t kill them; he mixed their blood with the blood of the animals they were offering as a sacrifice. Some were speechless, needing an explanation. “How can God allow such a thing to happen?” Others knew the ones who had lost their lives and knew their sinful secrets. “They got what they deserved. God punishes those who sin.” Everywhere, tragic conversation over the event turned to spiritual debates on the big question, “WHY?”
“What do you think, Jesus? Why did this happen?” rings out from the crowd as someone recognizes the presence of the One who claims to be the Son of God.
Jesus had been reclining back in his chair just listening to the buzz in the room. Now he’s put on the spot. He sits up straight and leans forward to address the question at hand.
“Do you think this happened to them because they were more sinful than all others from Galilee? No! But unless YOU change YOUR hearts and lives YOU will be destroyed as they were! What about those who lost their lives when the tower of Siloam fell on them? Do you think they were more sinful than others who live in Jerusalem? No! But unless YOU change YOUR hearts and lives YOU will all be destroyed too!” ~(LUKE 13:2-5)
The room quiets, and the crowd watches as Jesus returns to his reclined position.
That’s it? There’s got to be more, right? But he didn’t answer the question. Or did he?
The people asked if the victims had died because of their sin or if they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He did not give a yes or no. He simply reminded them, “Look, you’ve sinned and you all deserve to die. Don’t worry about the reason this all happened. Worry about changing your heart and changing your lives so that you aren’t destroyed as they were”
Thousands lost their lives in a city that is known for their carnival and often sinful antics, during Hurricane Katrina. The righteous commented about the validity of justice, the doubters questioned grace. We looked for answers. Would Jesus’ answer be the same today in regards to our most recent disasters? I believe so. If, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, then He would have said ….He is saying...
“Do you think this happened to them because they were more sinful than all others from Galilee? No! But unless YOU change YOUR hearts and lives YOU will be destroyed as they were!”
We have all sinned. The wages of sin is death. The Katrina victims had done no more than what myself or anyone else has done. The only way to keep yourself from being destroyed, whether you are in Louisiana or any other state, is to change your heart and your lives.
1 comment:
You said:
"We have all sinned. The wages of sin is death. The Katrina victims had done no more than what myself or anyone else has done. The only way to keep yourself from being destroyed, whether you are in Louisiana or any other state, is to change your heart and your lives."
You are right! Every single person living on this earth falls short of the glory of God. Not ONE person is without sin.
Not one!
The earth is controlled mostly by sin and evil. This earth will eventually be destroyed due to its ugliness.
Jesus is the one who died for us, for "our" sinful nature. He knew that we would sin, so that is why God brought His only son to die for us; to sacrifice His only son. I am grateful.
Will we ever be without sin? We can try to live "good" lives, but it's merely impossible living in our physical bodies. We can try to be like Jesus, but will we ever?
God knows your heart. God knows "our" hearts. God loves, He doesn't hate. He does detest evil, but He loves His children, who love Him. The worse sin to commit is to NOT love Him.
Great post!!! :)
God bless!
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