It is human nature to blame human tragedy and loss on the judging hand of God for some sin in one’s life. When we see suffering and tragedy we often see God as a judge. We tend to ignore His mercy, grace and ultimately, His great desire for us to repent and return to Him.
“ I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5
Jesus addresses this tendency for us to equate suffering with judgment in Luke 13:1-5.
The choice to be judgmental during a time of loss and suffering for another is steeped in pride. Somehow we think we are better than them and are in no need of repentance.
A time of great loss for others should be a time of reflection within, not a time of judgment without. We cannot judge man’s sins by his suffering in this world.
“In the world ye shall have tribulations…” John 16:33c
I am not telling you to make the suffering of others all about you but I am encouraging you to ask God to search you, know you as only He can and reveal any wicked way in you. Ask God to lead you in His way, the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
“The judgments of God upon others are loud calls to us to repent.” Matthew Henry
Loser2021 Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated “perish” in Luke 13:5, our verse for today.
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