Title: Waiting for God (Luke 13:1-17)
Content What we should do when terrible things happen to others As we go through life, these kinds of things happen all the time. People have accidents, lose family members, and suffer unspeakably. What this means Is God punishing them because they are particularly bad We easily attribute the suffering of others to themselves. There is a reason for such a curse.
The governor of Judea killed the Galileans and mixed their blood with their offerings. Those who came to offer sacrifices to God and were killed, what a terrible thing, were met with extortion. And the sacrifice offered to God sees defilement. People asked the Lord about this. "Why does this have to happen? What evil will they do to be punished by God, or is God's will hidden?"
The Master answered by analogy to another case, when the tower was accidentally struck and killed by 18 people passing by. "Do you think this happened because people who have been harmed like this are more sinful than those who haven't yet, and other people are in a good condition?" The reason I asked this was because people usually think this way. Therefore, those who have suffered difficulties often hide what has happened.
But the Lord's answer was not. "People are defenseless against these terrible things. It is because they are all sinners. Therefore, they have no right to blame God against these people."
Yes, human beings die and perish like a fly. Such a curse can come at any time. There is nothing to be happy about that it hasn't come yet. After all, it will happen sooner or later.
So, are those who haven't been beaten in a better condition or not? But God is patient for a long time. Evil sinners must be left to perish at any moment and suffer more terrible things, but God is still patient with their conversion. Patience is also an expression of love. So God is keeping these things from happening very little. That's why he's preventing the world from becoming a big deal.
Some sick things are allowed, and people come back and watch them. Indeed, pain is a stimulant for you and others. A person who has not suffered should know that someone else has suffered the pain that I will suffer at any time. And if the suffering of this world is so frightening, how great is the eternal curse that will come in the future? So when I see the suffering of others, I open my collar in fear. And I thank God for being patient with me.
Therefore, everyone must quickly turn to God and repent. All the sufferings of this world are tools for educating us. Above all else, it makes you cling to God and kneel before God. And taking those punishments as shadows, he feels the depth of eternal suffering. So this suffering is a thankful factor that keeps us attached to God. If such things are not seen or lightened at all, we will easily forget God.
Then, don't believers suffer from these terrible things? Of course, Christ protects us. But often believers suffer just like the rest of the world. In some cases, even the most pious believers are put to shame when they see this. We should know for sure. Since we are still of the flesh, there is nothing we can do about it. Nevertheless, our souls are comforted by faith because they are under eternal protection.
Christ explains this with another parable. The owner of the vineyard planted a fig tree. Of course, it's for the sake of getting fruit. But for many years there was nothing. The master tried to cut down these trees and throw them into the fire. Then the orchard keeper comes forward and makes a request. “I will try again. I will fertilize and take good care of it. If there is no fruit even then, please cut it.” So the figs were barely released.
These fig fruitless believers. God has especially planted us in his vineyard. It is for beautiful fruit. However, as a believer, he attends worship services and does not have a heart for the church. In this case, God does not count as a believer. So he no longer has to go to church. Such people eventually lose faith.
We are now living in an apocalyptic time. We must bear fruit before God. The power to bear fruit comes from Christ who fertilizes and nourishes. Move in the world with him. And let the Spirit of Jesus take control of my life. I believe in the fact that the Holy Spirit resides in me and build the life of Christ with the Holy Spirit. Then the fruit of the Spirit becomes very natural. In this way we glorify God.
Another fruit we can bear is to imitate God's character. The most important thing shown here is God's patience. God did not cut the worthless figs right away. Waited over three years and waited again. This is God's love for us. And this is also the way to make God's man. But God speaks clearly. Over time, it will be photographed.
If we too understand this love, we will be able to persevere toward a different life. I wait for others to understand me and become friends with me. I can wait even if the other person is very clumsy and has many weaknesses in church work or interpersonal relationships. Especially those who have made great progress in faith or character should wait for the growth of younger, weaker believers. Since we have the heart of God, we will be able to wait as long as God does.
But God does not wait long for our sufferings or difficulties. Even if the Sabbath ordinance is broken, God gives an immediate answer. If we ask God for help and rely on Him, He will do it. The Lord healed a woman who could not straighten up after being possessed by a demon for eighteen years. Since she had been in sin for so long, He did not tell her to repent for a long time.
Therefore, God is a grateful God who waits long and at the same time gives urgent help. He does not tell us to see you after the Sabbath or wait until tomorrow. He immediately forgives sins and offers salvation upon request. Our long-awaited God makes an immediate move in blessing us. This is our father. This is the one who saves us. Give thanks and praise, and meditate on the grace.