His righteousness covers us

2 Peter 3:9
Reading and hearing Scripture we often ask: How does what we have heard relate to me? Todayʼs gospel text can certainly relate to the recent events here in Christchurch. However, it is not just these events, there are always plenty of terrible news items available; tsunami, other acts of terrorism, wars, hunger, violence, crime, etc. Such news, when close to home, upsets us, throws us off guard. Not only does it cause a kind of numbness, sadness, even anger, it causes us to ask many questions. Usually our questions centre on the words, how, why, what and where. In todayʼs text, news of the horrible massacre which Pilate, the Roman Governor ordered regarding some Samaritan pilgrims, reached Jesus. Jesusʼ response is different, totally unexpected. “Do you suppose that those Galileans were worse sinners than any others, that this should have happened to them? I tell you ʻnoʼ, but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.” And in relation to those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell, killing them all? Jesusʼ reply is the same. “Do you suppose that they were worse offenders than all the other people living in Jerusalem? I tell you ʻnoʼ, but unless you repent you will perish as they did.” Do we think that any of us deserves exemption from tragedy? Jesus is merely showing that we all are sinners worthy of Godʼs judgement. Because of our sin, none of us deserves exemption from tragedies. Thank God for Jesus our Intercessor, the one in whom our faith rests, the one whose righteousness covers us. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord … is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.”

Pastor Darryl

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