Distracting God
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5
Why do we always look outward? When God calls us to repent and believe, we cry out “but what about (fill in the blank)” as we avoid doing what Christ has called us to do. We spend more time prating than praying; more time watching television than witnessing; and far more energy avoiding than obeying. This ought not to be. We are masters at avoiding God; and one of the main ways to avoid obedience is pointing at something, and saying “but what about . . .” to God, as if trying to change the subject is going to make God forget. Or end the need for us to obey.
Jesus did not take the bait and leave his calling, in order to get involved in politics. Instead he challenges them by referring to another tragedy, and telling them “. . .unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Our duty is not to inform God of things we think are in his blind spot, our duty is to obey his commands. Standing at the Judgment Seat no excuse will suffice. He calls all to repent and believe.
