“Jesus asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way, they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.’”   (Luke 13:2-3)

We need to hear Jesus’ words to repent in today’s passage in an ultimate way—that is, change our life before we actually die. We also need to hear them in a more immediate way—that is, change our life before we perish, even before we die. Sadly, we all know people who may be breathing and walking around but who aren’t alive.

So, how can we repent now before we begin to perish now?

If we’re just going through the motions and taking life for granted, would we recognize that our spirit is perishing, and would we repent and see that life is a precious gift?

If we’re afraid to give anything away, would we repent and see that what makes us rich isn’t what we hold onto but what we give away.

If we’re a walking nerve-ending of irritation, would we repent and see that our peevishness is causing our hearts and the hearts of those around us to shrink and close down.

If we’re in this life only for ourselves, would we repent and remember that we’re here to give glory to God. If we think that this life is all about us, we will feel like we’re perishing when things don’t go our way.

If we’re quick to whine and blame others while also putting off taking responsibility for our life, would we repent and be the woman, the man, the person God calls us to be. Doing spiritual battles for God can only be done by adults.

Although it’s never too late to repent, I encourage us to not wait. None of us has any guarantees about how long we’ll be here. What we have is today.

When Jesus says, “Unless you repent, you will perish,” we can’t help but shudder, but let’s not so much shudder out of fear that we’re perishing, but let’s shudder more out of a burning desire to live bigger, better, brighter, and bolder lives in His love right now.

Reflection Questions:

1. How might you need to repent right now? How might you be perishing, shrinking, or hardening?

2. In the past, what attitudes, behaviors, opinions, beliefs, or feelings moved you towards perishing and not flourishing?

3. What will it take for you to be the person God is calling you to be? What might need to change for you to have a bigger, better, brighter, and bolder life for God?