In Luke 13, the Savior presents the core concept in God’s scheme of Redemption. He states, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NKJV). This is the core tenet of the Gospel message, as it clearly defines why Jesus came to earth and why He needed to die. He explains to the masses that sin is sin. Jesus states, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? “(Luke 13:2 b). Thus, reasoning that all men sin, and THAT ONE MAN’S sin is NO greater than another’s, regardless of how we interpret life’s events. Men often reason within themselves that their sin is not as great as another man’s sin. I believe this is why Master Jesus repeats the phrase, “unless you”. I see this as a direct condemnation of projecting our righteousness on others as if we are the clear standard of mercy and justice for the world (2 Samuel 12:5-6). What we all must agree on is that sin is universal (Romans 3:23). It is deceitful (1 John 1:8-10). And most of all, we are foolish when we ignorantly assert we can master the boundaries thereof (Romans 5:21).
Sin holds a perceived “driver’s seat” and obviously, a seat of persecution. Notably, we would all rather hold the seat of preference than the “shotgun” of condemnation. People love to judge whether they admit it or not. The realization that we have failed is abated only by the self-volunteered elevation of oneself “over others”. In other words, it is easier for me to attempt to fool myself into thinking that my sin cannot be as bad as others. For example, the Scriptures teach, “So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai” (Esther 5:9). Notice the simple-minded arrogance of humanity when we believe our sins are little, while others are great. Haman’s downfall stemmed from his wish for another man’s demise. Sound familiar? This type of sin occurs when I easily dismiss my own “nothing” and others’ “everything”. When Hurricane Katrina devastated our Southern Border, you repeatedly heard “Well, that place is sinful, so God is judging them!”. Many of these voices had just departed from Las Vegas, Miami, Cancun, Atlantic City, Utica, Los Angeles, Reno, and other cities, which were quickly justified as meccas of grace. That’s because “I” went there, not “those other places”. If one city is sinful across the globe, they are all sinful. It’s a pattern of behavior; we are all susceptible to justifying our sins and condemning others. BAD HABITS, especially in the Church where Christ is supposed to rule (Colossians 3:15). We are to rule our city, not others (Proverbs 25:28). Think about these things, and God Bless,
Archie R. Green
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