The Urgency of Repentance
Are you ready to meet God?
Life is fragile. The world is unpredictable. One moment, everything seems secure, and the next, disaster strikes. Jesus spoke to this reality in Luke 13:1–9, addressing two tragic events: the massacre of worshiping Galileans by Pilate’s soldiers and the collapse of a tower in Siloam that killed eighteen people. The people of His time assumed that those who suffered these tragedies must have been worse sinners than everyone else. But Jesus corrected this mindset, teaching an essential truth:
“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well.” (Luke 13:3, 5)
This is not a message of condemnation—it’s a call to urgency. None of us know when our time on earth will end, but we do know that death is inevitable. The real question is: Are we ready?
A Life Without Repentance Is a Life Wasted
Jesus followed His warning with a parable about a barren fig tree. The owner of the vineyard had waited three years for it to bear fruit, and when it didn’t, he was ready to cut it down. But the vineyard worker asked for more time—to dig around it, fertilize it, and give it one last chance.
This tree represents us. God, in His mercy, gives us time to repent, turn to Him, and bear fruit. But that time is not unlimited.
Borrowed time is not permanent.
We are all living on time we do not deserve. Every breath we take is an act of God’s mercy. But there is coming a day when that mercy will no longer be extended—when the opportunity to repent will be gone.
Why Seek Jesus?
Today’s passage gives us the most basic reason—because without Him, we will perish.
But this is not just a warning. It’s an invitation. God is merciful, compassionate, and patient, holding back the judgment we deserve, longing for us to turn to Him.
“The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth.” (Exodus 34:6)
Yet, His patience has a purpose. He’s holding out for our repentance. His mercy is not endless for those who refuse to turn to Him.
Seek the Lord While He May Be Found
The Bible repeatedly calls us to seek God while we still can:
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call to him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)
“I am only with you for a short time. Then I’m going to the one who sent me.” (John 7:33)
There will come a time when the opportunity is gone—when death comes, or when Christ returns. The question is not, "What kind of God allows bad things to happen?" Instead, the real question is, "What kind of God allows us to live?"
It’s Time to Respond
Every one of us must decide what we will do with Jesus. If we refuse to repent, we are like the barren fig tree—taking up space but producing no fruit. Judgment is near. Time is short. We are living on borrowed time.
But there is hope! Jesus offers forgiveness, grace, and eternal life to those who turn to Him.
So, what will you do with the time you’ve been given?