Jim Dodrill

Some people hurt more than others physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in this fallen world. Does that necessarily mean their suffering is a direct result of a specific sin? Of course not! In Luke 13, Jesus spoke about 18 people who were killed when a tower fell on them. “Or do you think that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse offenders than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4–5). Those 18 weren’t killed because they were worse sinners; it was their time to die. Jesus uses this to remind us that we are all under the judgment of death because of sin, and so all will face death. This is a stark reminder to make sure we have done what Jesus said: “Repent.” In other words, that was their time to die, so make sure you have received the free gift of salvation so you know with certainty that when you die, you will go to be present with the Lord for eternity. “But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). I’ll share some final thoughts on this tomorrow.