Repentance? You Really Should

TITLE: Repentance? You Really Should
DATE:  October 26, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 13:1-3 – ESV -  There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others ….

People often believe lies.

That certainly was true of the Spanish soldiers in Francisco Pizarro's expedition to Peru. It was the year 1532 when they found, actually when they stole emeralds as large as pigeon eggs.

The stones were so big how could you be sure they were emeralds and not just colored glass? Thankfully, were was a way. Scientists in Europe had found out that real emeralds can't be broken.

The Spanish soldiers believed that and were disappointed that the emeralds shattered when they were struck with hammers.

There is only one problem. The soldiers believed wrong and the scientists believed wrong. And they lost a fortune because they believed wrong. They aren’t the only people who have lost because they believed wrongly. The text above comes from Scripture where some folks had come to the conclusion they were better than others. They believed wrongly.
THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE SO GOOD THEY DIDN’T NEED TO REPENT OF THEIR SINS.

• They didn't understand that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
• They didn't understand that they could be saved only by the Man Who stood before them.
• They didn’t understand Jesus' love for humanity, was purer than any emerald of Peru.
•  Jesus was the love and truth  of God. 

He was, the Savior Who would die to take away our sins.

As Christians we know the Truth.

By the Holy Spirit's power, we know that in  Jesus we have a Treasure. more precious than emeralds. We have Jesus. We dare not put His love to the test. We dare not hammer away at Him as if He needs to prove His love.

The nails through His hands and feet are proof enough. Jesus came to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, what a treasure You have given us. Some may try to test You. Others may try to deny You. Help me always to be appreciative of Your Truth and Love which I never deserved. Help me to be thankful always. You died to be my Savior. May I live as Your faithful disciple, drinking from the sweet or bitter cup that is given to me.  In Your Name I pray. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html