There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 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 13:1-5
We are seeing daily news reports of natural and manmade disasters worldwide. Do we still today have the same mindset that was so fatal to the church (Jews) at the time when Christ lived your life on this earth? There was a common belief prevalent at that time that if disease, accident or disaster occurred to someone then they must be very great sinners indeed!
Christ addressed this matter directly in the verses above, showing that those who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him” Titus 1:16 are in far more danger in the judgement than someone who does not know of the goodness of God and who is injured or dies in a news making event. In Luke 7 we see that sinners in the church are 10 times worse sinners in the eyes of God than someone who has even committed sins of the flesh.
So, unless we realise the severity of our sins and repent we will likewise perish as those we see dying daily on the news.
Just one more thought - maybe this would be a good time for us all to enjoy another read of or listen to the book of Job for a review of what is going on behind the scenes in “the great controversy between Christ and Satan”.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14,15