TOPIC: REPENT OR PERISH

 

TEXT: Luke 13:1-10

1. There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

2. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

3. I tell you, Nay; but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

4. 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?

5. I tell you, Nay; but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

6. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none; cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

8. And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it;

9. And if it bear fruit, well; and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

10. And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

 

KEY VERSE: “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” – (Luke 13:3)

MESSAGE

Tragedy struck in a particular family. A man who happens to be the only child of his parents got married; the marriage also produced one child – a girl. While they were returning from their daughter’s convocation, there was a fatal accident which claimed the lives of the lady and her parents. Some people began to question why God allowed such calamity. They failed to understand that not all tragedies should be equated with divine punishment. Certain things happen to remind us of the brevity and unpredictability of life and the need to amend our ways before death calls.

In our text, some people had gone to Jesus to complain of the evil deeds of Governor Pilate who had killed some worshippers. Christ’s response was both surprising and revealing. They might not have been the worst sinners in Galilee to have suffered such things. Also, the eighteen upon whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed might not necessarily have been the worst sinners in Jerusalem. He also gave a parable of the unfruitful fig tree which must be cut down for failing to bear fruits.

One needs not be the worst sinner to fall a victim of circumstances. The only place of security therefore is in Christ, entered through repentance from sin and faith in His finished work. Believers who are not bearing fruits only “cumbereth… the ground”, and risk condemnation by the Lord. Such are admonished to “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance… every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:8-10).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Bear fruit unto God and avoid being cut down.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 7-10

DCLM Daily Manna 3rd July 2022 | Sunday – Repent or Perish