Thursday, November 23(10), 2023
2Thess. 2:13-3:5; Lk. 13:1-9                                     

People told Jesus “of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices,” ─ and He replied: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”.  The  tower in Siloam fell and slew eighteen men, ─ and again He said: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” [Lk. 13:1-5].  This is a clear instruction for us: when a trouble befalls someone else, rather than seeking a reason why and for which particular sin that has happened, we must promptly look at ourselves and examine whether we are guilty of a sin worth the punishment like that one?  And if the answer is positive, make sure to blot out our sin through repentance.

Repentance sets us free from our sins and removes the reason for the impending trouble.  As long as man is involved in sin, the axe is laid unto the root of the tree of his life [Mt. 3:10], ready to cut it down, though not actually cutting, expecting his repentance.  If you repent full-heartedly, the axe will be withdrawn, and your life will go ahead, returning to its normal course; if you don’t ─ then get ready for the axe to strike.

Are you sure to live through this year?  The Parable of the fruitless fig tree [Lk. 13:6] shows how willing the Savior is to spare each and every sinner in the hope that he repents and brings forth good fruits.  The Lord, however, is not only merciful, but also just, and His justice could require an action at any moment.  Maybe next year, maybe earlier.  How do you know that you are not living the last month, day or hour of your earthly life?

Read more about the author