Luke 13-14

Luke 12:4-5 "“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."

These words have been echoing in my head all day.

Mark 14:38 "Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

And that's why. 

I was watching and knew a compromising situation was coming, but rationalized that I'd be fine. Mistake. Temptation just gets worse when we are trying to resist it and stay in the tempting situations.

So, today's chapter's spoke strong warnings, but also grace.

Luke 13 verses 1-5 speak of some Galileans who suffered and then of some living in Jerusalem who had a tower fall on them. I don't know anything about these events historically, but Jesus asks 'so, you think it is because these guys were worse than you?' v15 "I tell you no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

If we continue to live an unrepentant lifestyle we have nothing but death to come, and worse to be thrown into hell after.

So, the fact that I am now consistently struggling with this battle is scary.

Luke 13 verses 6 and 7 speak of a vineyard owner who year after year goes to this fig tree to find no fruit. So he wants to cut it down! What good is it if it doesn't make fruit? "Why should it use up the soil?" This combined with John 15 are strong warning to those who aren't bearing fruit, aren't seeing God work great things in their lives right now. But the next two verses speak grace to those who are willing to learn and change. The man taking care of the vineyard implored the master to give it one more year. "I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, cut it down."

I don't know much about fig trees. I know figs, fresh figs, are amazingly delicious. That may be part of why the owner allows this extra year of not cutting it down. But it better bear fruit next year, or it's gone. Chopped up, withered, and thrown into the fire.

So, fear the Lord and seek His help in changing. He has the right to judge and throw us into hell if we do not repent of our ways and trust in Christ's blood to buy our forgiveness and the Spirit to change us bit by bit each day until we are ready for pruning as we bear more and more fruit.