Luke 13
SIBLuke 13:1-9
The ruin of the Jewish nation, about forty years after Christ, was, like that of the Galileans and the Jews crushed by the tower of Siloam, most sudden and dreadful, chiefly occasioned by their attendance on their ceremonial services, and near to the temple—The parable of the fig tree imports that, notwithstanding their long continued barrenness of good tempers and works, yet by means of the intercession of Christ and his ministers, they should for about forty years enjoy a gospel dispensation, and afterwards be fearfully destroyed, on account of their unfruitfulness and wickedness
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII—With great care should we guard against uncharitable censures of those whom God hath sorely afflicted, remembering that his strokes on them are warnings to us, and that nothing short of evangelical repentance can prevent our eternal ruin. Severe censures of others but prepare ourselves for unmixed wrath from God. He takes the most exact notice of every season and means of grace we enjoy, and of our unprofitableness under the same. The opportunities of his mercy and patience are often unexpectedly lengthened out through the mediation of his Son and the prayers of his ministers. And, if he spare, ministers ought to be diligent. The most unfruitful sinners may be renewed and turned to God by the gospel: but the obstinate abuse of this will at last issue in men’s just and inexpressible ruin. Cries for mercy will then become vain, hopes and pleas from external privileges will be defeated, and there will be none to intercede for the sinner. Let not therefore 120 133* curious inquiries about the number of the saved, but earnest care about my own believing in Jesus Christ, be the labour of my soul. And, to quicken my diligence, let me remember that few comparatively are saved: and, to raise my admiration, and encourage my faith, let me think how often the most improbable in appearance are converted, while others are left to perish in their sins. And let me behold how ready Jesus was to instruct the ignorant, alarm the careless and heal the diseased. Indefatigable was he in his labours. Highly he regarded his Father’s ordinances, and contemned the terrors of wicked men; and was even ready to die for his people. Carefully was he preserved by providence till his hour came. And the most tremendous ruin has or will overtake his obstinate opposers. Yea, the greater our privileges abused, the greater the miseries we shall incur. 111