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We live in a world where many churches teach that Christians don't experience trials and troubles. Such incomplete instruction can create the impression that bad things only happen to bad people. Or that it is only non-Christians who experience bad things. However, Jesus never taught this, and if we harbor any such thinking, it is time to let it go.
In Luke 13, Jesus discussed a tragedy that happened to a group of Galileans who died at the hands of Pilate. Luke 13:2-3 - 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.
Here, Jesus warned the listeners not to think that the dead Galileans were worse sinners who deserved the disaster they'd experienced. He pointed out that they were Jews and the children of Abraham, just as his audience was. He cautioned them to repent and focus instead on living lives that reflect it. That way, they wouldn't become an example of how not to live. He stressed that it was just God's grace that others hadn't suffered the fate of the dead Galileans.
This is a lesson for you and me. We should not see ourselves as better than others because we are all sinners, and it is only by God's grace that we have escaped some of the troubles others have endured. Thank God for Jesus, who stands as an advocate, continuously interceding on our behalf. Praise God that we are not treated as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). None of this is because we are righteous. In fact, we are far from it.
Sure, we may not be fornicating, lying, or practicing magic, but our sin might be the failure to do something we know we should have done. James 4:17 - If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. For instance, the word instructs us to care for the needy. If a believer knows this and never gives from the little or plenty they have, that is a sin. Plus, no sin is worse than any other. Those who believe in Jesus are simply fortunate that the Holy Spirit convicts them to repent and try to do better when given another opportunity.
Remember the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Jesus told that parable as a warning to those "who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else" (Luke 18:9). He showed how the Pharisee, who prided himself on not being a Tax Collector, was actually worse off in God's eyes. The Tax Collector was genuinely remorseful for his sins and sought God's forgiveness without claiming any moral high ground.
Let us be like the Tax Collector who acknowledged his imperfection to the Lord and sought mercy. He was humble and resisted the pride displayed by the Pharisee. As long as we genuinely repent and take steps not to repeat our sins, God will help us. While we won't be perfect, He will make us stronger so our flesh doesn't succumb. We will become more like Jesus, who obeyed and pleased God. The Holy Spirit will also teach us how to avoid the snare of thinking we are better than anyone else.
I pray that God will continue to show us grace so we humble ourselves before the Lord in all things. He will help us. IJMN Amen.
As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
