Today, we gathered to celebrate not only the freedoms we enjoy as citizens, but the far greater freedom we have in Christ—a freedom from sin and condemnation that no earthly liberty can match. Our mission as a church is to develop a passion for God and compassion for people, rooted in the life-changing message of Jesus. In the face of recent tragedy in Texas, where many lives have been lost and families are grieving, we are reminded of our responsibility to pray, to seek God’s comfort, and to reflect on how we respond to suffering and loss.
When confronted with tragedy, it’s natural to ask, “Why did this happen?” or “Whose fault is it?” Yet, Jesus redirects our focus in Luke 13:1-5, where He addresses both man-made and natural disasters. Rather than assigning blame or assuming suffering is always a result of personal sin, Jesus calls us to self-examination and repentance. He teaches that tragedy is not always a sign of God’s judgment, but can serve as a wake-up call—a reminder of life’s fragility and the urgency of turning to God.
Repentance, as Jesus describes, is not a one-time event but a continual turning of our hearts back to God. It’s not about punishment or fear, but about restoration, grace, and a deeper relationship with our Creator. We are invited to examine our lives, to ask where we have drifted, and to return to God with humility and openness. In times of grief, answers may be elusive, but God’s presence brings comfort and hope.
As we come to the Lord’s table, we remember Christ’s sacrifice—His body broken and His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. This is an invitation to return, to repent, and to rejoice in the freedom and acceptance we have in Him. Let us walk boldly in that freedom: free to love, forgive, serve, and live as beloved children of the King.
Luke 13:1-5 (ESV) — > 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.”
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