RESCUE THE PERISHING

Bible Reading: LUKE 13:1-10

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

Our newsstands are daily filled with tragic incidences occurring in different parts of the world with rising death tolls. Fire outbreaks, cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, road and boat crashes, etc., are happening almost on a daily basis. Many alive one moment, are swept into eternity the very next. All these are causing serious concerns in different quarters and are reasons for us to pause and learn.

In our text, some people had gone to Jesus to complain of the evil deeds of Governor Pilate who had killed some worshippers and mingled their blood with their sacrifices. 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 on which the tower of Siloam fell and killed might not necessarily have been the worst sinners in Jerusalem. He therefore urged those still alive by the mercy of God to repent lest they too perish.

Christ’s teaching must be clear to everyone. We live in a world where evil, orchestrated by Satan, is prevalent. He steals, kills and destroys. The point is that someone needs not be the worst person or sinner to fall victim in the hands of the evil one. The only place of security therefore is under “the canopy“of Jesus Christ, which must be entered by repentance from sin and faith in His finished work. Sinners belong to Satan and he hurts them. Believers belong to God and He protects them. That is not to say they are not being attacked by the enemy but God still delivers them.

As Christians therefore, the news of tragic happenings all around us should make us remain ever thankful to God for His daily mercies and protection, and spur us to reach out with love, compassion and a sense of urgency to the sinners all around us so they will not PERISH. Act fast before more perish!

PRAYER POINTS

Father, I pray that I become love-ruled, love-dominated and love-motivated in all things. Take away from me every iota of selfishness, hate and anger, in the name of Jesus. And let the love of Christ rule in my heart always, in Jesus name.

Lord, I am a fruit-bearing branch of the body of Christ, cause me to be fruitful. And by all means prune me for more fruitfulness so I may bring forth much fruits unto righteousness, in Jesus name.

Lord, I pray that as I open my heart and receive of the ministry of the word by the Spirit, it will produce in my life. Your word is working effectively in my life causing me to mature in grace, faith, love, truth, righteousness, boldness and in power, in Jesus name. And cause me to be all the more sensitive to the Holy Spirit, my Teacher, Guide, and Instructor in Jesus name .