At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you: but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them – do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Luke 13:1-5

We all look for someone to blame when something bad happens. He told those listening that instead of trying to find someone to blame, they should see such events as a call to repentance. If they willfully rejected Him as their Messiah and persisted in that sin, they would face a fearful end. When we hear of inexplicable tragedies, don’t ask "why?" Be content to know that God loves us and the events should be looked at as a time for self-examination and repentance.

Life’s tragedies are a call to reflect and repent.

Our Daily Bread – September 8, 2004