THE PIVOT
Luke 13:1-5
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do
you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans
because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too
will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do
you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell
you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Life is a
fragile possession. What awaits us in the minutes, hours, days or weeks ahead
is a mystery. This very moment you are reading these words. By God’s grace you
can reflect on his gift of life to you. Death awaits each of us. This world
will soon pass. The world and life ahead is as real as these pages. But what is
it that God requires of us to know the meaning of life and death? What is the
pivot point on which our life is balanced? Repentance is God‘s answer. Unless
we recognize life as He has given it, we can never fully enjoy this life or the
life to come. As a people in need of deliverance from sin, repentance begins
our new life with God. The Pivot Between Life And Death is our repenting of our
sinful life and turning back to God. It is coming to terms with our own
mortality. It is coming to terms with the fragile nature of our every step and
breath. Can we see or control our future? Is it within our ability to really
determine our own destiny? Many questions with just one answer.
Life is
more than breathing air and going about the plans of our heart. Life is knowing
God in Christ and living with him and for him. Life continues after the curtain
of death is lowered. Repentance enables life to begin now and continue after
the curtain has dropped. Death can be now and forever, too. But God so loved
the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him
will not perish, but will have life and eternal life. Praise God for the
opportunity to know Him. Praise God for the opportunity to repent.
