I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
Luke 13:3 (NIV)
Perish
Hundreds of thousands of livestock perished in floodwaters in Canada’s westernmost province, the British Columbia government stated this past December 3. Back-to-back deluges from atmospheric rivers damaged major transport routes, forced evacuations, and briefly isolated Canada’s biggest port. The agricultural region of Sumas Prairie, near Vancouver, is one of the hardest hit flood zones. 628,000 poultry were reported dead, as well as 420 dairy cattle and roughly 12,000 hogs. Additionally, 110 bee hives were submerged.
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We enjoy the Bible verses that give us promises of God’s goodness and love for us. We post them throughout our homes and claim them when things get difficult. We don’t tend to want to focus so much on the Bible verses that call us to repentance and change. But there are many of these in the Bible and they, too, are a part of the Gospel. In Luke 13:3 the Lord Jesus teaches us this: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” The Lord loves us enough that He doesn’t want us to remain in our sin. So, He calls us to repentance – to turn our back on our sin and turn our face towards Him. If we refuse to do so, we will perish, an ending to life that no one wants to face. There is nothing worse than an eternity separated from Jesus and our loved ones who know and trust Him. Jesus gives a great warning here. The wise heed His call to repentance. The good news is that He would have none perish but all come to eternal life, so He offers that gift of eternal life to you. Do not reject His loving offer.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley