LORD’S DAY, FEBRUARY 25
Luke 13:1-9
1 Chronicles 16:30-33

“…sing out at the presence of the LORD,
because he cometh to judge the earth.”

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD

Jesus was informed of the unfortunate Galileans who rebelled against Rome and were severely punished. He pointed out that they must not think they were more righteous than those Galileans. In the final judgment all shall equally be judged before Him. He reminded them of the eighteen men who were killed in Siloam. Again, Jesus declared that all men were equal, all stand condemned as sinners before the thrice Holy God. No one therefore could condemn others.

Jesus said to them twice, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). This He did to highlight the urgency of the command to repent. Repentance is a change of mind expressed with great sorrow over one’s great sinfulness against God. It causes the sinner to turn away from sin with abhorrence and consequently put his faith in Jesus Christ for the atonement of his sins. Jesus clearly told them the consequences if they would not repent. They shall perish! Without repentance all men are worthy of eternal death.

Jesus gave a parable to illustrate Him being a patient Judge. A fig tree which supposedly grew in the wayside was kept in a vineyard. It portrays the tree as receiving the water and fertilizers of the vineyard. The owner sought to get fruit from the tree but there was none. This figuratively described the Jews, having been cared for by God in very special ways by years of preaching and healing, yet showed no sign of fruit in their lives. The fig tree did not produce a single fruit during the three years of Jesus’ ministry. The Jews remained unresponsive to the utmost care given by the preaching of the Word. They continued to reject the Messiah. The dresser of the vineyard interceded for another year of water and fertilizer to be given. The Lord is righteous in His judgment to cut down that which was fruitless, but the gracious Lord would make the fig tree blossom again and bear fruits in His own perfect time. Read 1 Chronicles 16:33. Be fruitful!

THOUGHT: Am I aware of the coming judgment?
PRAYER: Father God in heaven, the Judge of all the earth, I thank Thee for Thy promise that through Christ, I am ready to meet Thee.