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A Door of Hope

The first city to fall to Joshua and the Israelites when they crossed into Canaan was Jericho.  God gave very specific instructions for its overthrow.  The Israelites circled the city six days, but on the seventh day they were instructed to circle it seven times.  After the seventh time, the trumpet sounded, the people shouted and the wall of the city fell “down flat.” (Joshua 6:2-5)

God also gave instruction concerning the inhabitants of the city and their belongings.  The city was counted as “accursed…and all that are therein, to the LORD…But all the silver and gold…are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.” (Joshua 2:17-19)  God had instructed the people to keep themselves from the “accursed thing” lest they themselves would be accursed.  This brings us to Achan.

Achan took from among the spoils a “garment…silver and…gold” and hid them in his tent.  This disobedience led to the downfall of the Israelites in their attempt to take the city Ai. God exposed Achan’s sin to Joshua and Achan and his family and all of his belongings were stoned and burnt in the Valley of Achor and a pile of stones placed over them.  Achor means “trouble.”  Achan had “troubled” Israel by taking the accursed thing and promoting their initial defeat at Ai.

Fast forward about 665 years.  God’s earthly people, Israel, had departed from Him and He looked at them as an adulterous wife.  Even so, He spoke through His prophet Hosea, of His future restoration of her to Himself by His grace.  In His promise to the nation, He states “I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.  And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth.” (Hosea 2:14-15)

The valley of trouble in the day of Joshua has now become a door of hope!  Only God can do this.  God can take us through troubled and difficult times and lead us to a door of hope.  The COVID-19 virus hangs over our community, our nation, and our families as a shroud.  But God is in control.  He alone knows the path this will take us.  If we belong to Him, all the paths He leads us through come out at the right place.  He is our Door of Hope!    

Men Ought Always to Pray and Not Faint

Every child of God has struggled at one time or another with “unanswered” prayer. I know in my own life there have been times when I’ve prayed and prayed with regard to some specific burden, but it seems as if my prayers have gone unheard. When this occurs discouragement begins to take hold, and we are sorely tempted to just give up. Jesus understood this dilemma and used a parable to shed light from the throne room of heaven in this matter. Our Lord frequently used parables, earthly stories with heavenly meanings, to teach eternal verities. In this case, however, he explained the very purpose of the parable so that there would be no confusion as to its intent.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he [the judge] would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (Luke 18:1-5). This widow had no merits before the judge. Nothing is known of her case. She had no advocate to speak for her. Her only recourse was persistence. We are told that she troubled the judge by her “continual coming.”

It is evident from the parable that the judge’s only interest in acting on the widow’s behalf was his own selfishness. We are told, plainly, he was “weary” with her repeated appearances before him. He gave relief simply to rid her from his docket. His behavior was despicable in the circumstances of the parable, and it is this behavior that our Lord draws to our attention. “And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith” (Luke 18:6). Specifically, our Savior intends to draw a contrast between the behavior of this unjust judge, specifically his motivation, and that of our heavenly Father. Jesus adds, “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:7-8). Therein lies the lesson for us, God’s children, who wait at his throne.

How different is the motivation of our heavenly Father! Child of God, our heavenly Father delights to hear our prayers and is not just willing to hear and answer them, but is actually eager to do so. He is not disinterested in those matters that burden our hearts and compel us to the throne of grace. Yes, our Father may often “bear long” with his children in their prayers, but this accomplishes his perfect will in the matter which is always best. Sometimes our prayers may seem to be sitting idly on a shelf when in reality they are simply waiting for the right, even perfect, circumstances to unfold. Once those circumstances are met our Father “speedily” dispatches those answers. We may have abandoned our requests, even forgotten them, but our heavenly Father never does!

As the parable teaches, we ought always to pray and not to faint. We must persevere in our prayers for the Lord is at work on our behalf. Don’t give up!

Forgiving One Another

The failure to forgive one another lies at the heart of more ruined relationships than any other personal failure. I don’t have statistics to back that assertion, but I believe there would be a consensus as to its veracity. Both our experience and observation would find us regrettably nodding in agreement. Many a bitter soul has found the origin of its bitterness in this very thing, the failure to restore a broken relationship.

In a discourse on issues arising from sins committed against one another, Jesus made this statement. “Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Luke 17:3). Breaking this simple yet profound command (and it is a command) down into its elements will help us in our dealings one with another.

First of all, it is understood that trespasses do occur and when they do, they disturb the harmony that previously existed between one another. The impetus behind Jesus’ command “rebuke him” is an earnest desire to restore what has been broken. We know that not every offense requires rebuke. Christians are to deal with one another “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). To put it in modern vernacular, we should not wear our feelings on our sleeves. Failure to suffer long with the minor mistreatments of others (which are often more perceived than real) stokes the fires of our own pride and causes us to react in passion rather than in love.

But some offenses are genuinely not to be swept aside. They must be confronted and addressed. Here is where we frequently fail. We give ourselves over to stewing about the wrongdoing and so the hardening process in our hearts begins. When we lovingly seek out the offending individual, we demonstrate that the relationship is important to us. Furthermore, we show that truth is the key ingredient to sound relationships. James instructed us “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17; emphasis added).

Jesus’ instruction does not stop with confronting the offending party, but goes on to mandate forgiveness when the offender repents. Forgiveness is the right conclusion to the matter, the very key to moving forward in any strained relationship. Oftentimes, the one offended wants his or her “pound of flesh” before extending forgiveness, an attitude more in keeping with vengeance. Yet Paul warned believers in Rome, “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:18-19). Forgiveness builds; vengeance tears down.

Perhaps, you have difficulty forgiving others because you have never known true forgiveness yourself. Again, Paul wrote “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32; emphasis added). Have you come to know the forgiveness of Christ?

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord tells of the death of a certain rich man and a beggar, Lazarus. In doing so he pulls back death’s curtain to reveal a brief yet compelling insight to that which awaits each of us. Christ begins, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Luke 16: 19-21). With these two statements our Lord summarizes the lives of these two individuals.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24).

It is evident from the narrative that there is life after death. These two were conscious of their surroundings and of each other. We should never be deceived to think that we have this life only and there is nothing after this life. Frankly, this was the downfall of the rich man. It is evident that he lived for this life only. Abraham responded to his request to send Lazarus by reminding him “that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things” (Luke 16:25; emphasis added). The rich man’s fault was not that he was rich, but that he lived his life without regard for eternity. That is an important lesson for each one of us. Jesus taught plainly “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36).

Not only were these two men conscious of their surroundings, but their surroundings were distinctly different. Again, Abraham in responding to the rich man’s request tells him “now he [Lazarus] is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:25-26). One location is a place of conscious bliss, and the other is a place of conscious torment. Furthermore, there is no passage between the two – ever!

There is life after death and heaven and hell are real places. Those who live for this life only are not prepared for death and its consequences. Death is an appointment that none can escape as the author of Hebrews points out. “It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Our Lord tells us that hell, the everlasting fire, is “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Though Satan, the devil, is inescapably assigned to suffer eternally there, man can avoid its torment. Each individual must choose. Jesus Christ offers life, the forgiveness of sins, and a home in heaven to those who will receive it. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). What will you do with Jesus?

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord tells of the death of a certain rich man and a beggar, Lazarus. In doing so he pulls back death’s curtain to reveal a brief yet compelling insight to that which awaits each of us. Christ begins, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Luke 16: 19-21). With these two statements our Lord summarizes the lives of these two individuals.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24).

It is evident from the narrative that there is life after death. These two were conscious of their surroundings and of each other. We should never be deceived to think that we have this life only and there is nothing after this life. Frankly, this was the downfall of the rich man. It is evident that he lived for this life only. Abraham responded to his request to send Lazarus by reminding him “that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things” (Luke 16:25; emphasis added). The rich man’s fault was not that he was rich, but that he lived his life without regard for eternity. That is an important lesson for each one of us. Jesus taught plainly “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36).

Not only were these two men conscious of their surroundings, but their surroundings were distinctly different. Again, Abraham in responding to the rich man’s request tells him “now he [Lazarus] is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:25-26). One location is a place of conscious bliss, and the other is a place of conscious torment. Furthermore, there is no passage between the two – ever!

There is life after death and heaven and hell are real places. Those who live for this life only are not prepared for death and its consequences. Death is an appointment that none can escape as the author of Hebrews points out. “It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Our Lord tells us that hell, the everlasting fire, is “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Though Satan, the devil, is inescapably assigned to suffer eternally there, man can avoid its torment. Each individual must choose. Jesus Christ offers life, the forgiveness of sins, and a home in heaven to those who will receive it. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). What will you do with Jesus?

Joy in Heaven

Jesus was the Master Teacher who taught everywhere he went. He taught in the synagogues, in the countryside, in a boat, in private homes. Wherever and whenever the opportunity arose, he set forth the wonderful words of life,  condemning sin against the backdrop of forgiveness promised to those who repent. He made plain the commandments of God by calling out hypocrisy yet revealing God’s mercy to those who come to him in simple faith. Yes, he was the Master Teacher and “the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29).

Jesus was not just the Master Teacher, but he was an exceedingly popular Teacher. The Scriptures tell us that “the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about” (Luke 4:37) and “the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37). But not everyone looked favorably on him.

On one occasion there “drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him” (Luke 15:1). Publicans were Jews who served as tax collectors for the Roman government and usually made themselves rich at the expense of their Jewish brethren. Consequently, they were much despised by their countrymen. And so “the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (Luke 15:2).

Our Lord used this opportunity to teach of God’s great love for sinners. “And he spake this parable unto them [the Pharisees and scribes], saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over the ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:3-7).

The Pharisees and scribes found fault with Jesus for “receiving sinners and eating with them.” These men were filled with a self-righteousness that had no merit before God. They saw themselves as blameless before the law, but in reality, they were blind to their true condition before God. They would count themselves as those in Christ’s parable “which need no repentance.” Those who cannot see their own sin will never repent, yet Jesus warned “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

The message of the gospel is for sinners, those who see and acknowledge their sin before God. These are the ones whom our Savior is seeking for he proclaimed, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Our Lord is still seeking sinners. He promises forgiveness to those who repent and trust in his shed blood for their sin. Salvation is of the Lord, and he delights in one lost sinner who repents and comes to him. Is there joy in heaven because you have repented?

God’s Purpose for Me

What is my purpose in life? Why am I here? Oftentimes our lives are so consumed with making a living that we don’t take the time to address these larger, more important questions. The Holy Scriptures are faithful to guide us in these matters. The Apostle John informs us “Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). You and I are included in “all things” created by God. Consequently, the Apostle Paul concludes “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).

What does it mean then to glorify God? For one thing, God is glorified by our good works. Jesus testified to this when he commanded “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16; emphasis added). Peter spoke similarly when he wrote to believers scattered throughout various provinces of the Roman Empire. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; have your conversation [manner of life] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they should behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (I Peter 2:11-12; emphasis added).

The Scriptures teach us that we cannot do these good works apart from knowing Christ as our Savior for “there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Romans 3:12). The good works that Jesus and Peter spoke of are born out of a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul teaches us that they are the very product of our salvation in Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10; emphasis added). This teaches us that our works do not save us. Instead, Christ’s work on the cross is that which save us and produces in us the good works that Jesus commends.

Walking in the revealed will of God, that which he has ordained, results in good works that glorify God. These works glorify God because they perfect his image in us, his children. Just as our own children bear our likeness, we take on as God’s dear children born of His Spirit his image when we walk in his will. This glorifies God and he delights in his image renewed and made increasingly manifest in his children.

We were created to glorify God. We will not know true contentment, satisfaction, and joy until we fulfill our purpose. How do you see your purpose? Do you see it through the lens of Scripture and God’s revelation? God’s intended purpose for you is good for “the LORD is good to all” (Psalm 145:9). James reminds us that God himself is the very Source of all goodness “for every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17; emphasis added).

Pursuing his glory begins with faith in Christ Jesus. From there “Thou will show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

God’s Command to Hear

The New Testament enjoins its readers, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear…” on fifteen occasions. (Three times in the Gospel of Matthew; three times in the Gospel of Mark; two times in the Gospel of Luke; and, eight times in the book of Revelation.) The urging amounts to an earnest invitation to pay heed to what is being said and to heed means to do. Submitting to its teaching is right for the Bible is like no other book. It is Divine in its origin and, consequently, essential to life in a world made dark by sin. We disregard its teachings and admonitions at our own peril.

Jesus expanded on this injunction to hear in his teaching commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great” (Luke 7:47-49). It is evident that in order to benefit from hearing, we are required to respond with obedience.

Jame’s Epistle confirms the connection between obedience and blessing. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For is any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass [mirror]: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway [immediately] forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty [the Scriptures], and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25).

God has not given his word to us as “recommendations” nor “suggested guidelines” to consider as we see fit. Rather, they constitute his self-revelation and are imperative for a right relationship to him and a right walk in this world. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect [mature], thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Paul told Timothy in that same epistle that the “scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). This salvation begins with hearing, even as Jesus taught. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:24).

How about you? Do you hear the word of God and recognize its authority? Can you say with the Psalmist “I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:127-128).

The High Cost of Discipleship

Jesus regularly attracted large crowds because of his authoritative teaching and miracles. Consequently, it was necessary to warn the crowds that being his disciple was not an easy thing to venture upon. He taught “if any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). He was not advocating that one literally hate his father or mother or wife or any other family member. He was saying that to follow him required a devotion that exceeded any other earthly relationship.

This devotion finds its expression in obedience to his teaching as revealed in his word. We cannot be his disciple if we allow any other relationship to lead us away from Christ. In such a case, he is no longer Lord, and we are not serving as his disciple. He must always be first.

The Lord makes this claim to supreme devotion even more pointed. He adds “and whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). The Jews were familiar with the Roman cross in those days. They recognized it as an instrument of death. To take up one’s cross is to die to self and, in so doing, surrender all his prerogatives to Christ. Every decision made, every pursuit followed, every relationship is subject to his word. Something as simple as my TV becomes a realm subject to his Lordship, and its use must ultimately please him.

To follow Christ requires that we follow him completely. Every arena of our lives becomes his domain. No wonder Jesus spoke so frankly to the crowds that followed him. There is a cost to consider. Again, he taught “for which of you intending to build a tower, setteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:28-30).

Being a disciple of Christ is not for the fainthearted. Following Christ is not something one does part of the time or only when it is convenient. Living for Jesus is just that, living for Jesus! The Lord gave this summation to the crowds, “whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).

To forsake all for Christ is to give up nothing to gain everything. He is my goal, my purpose, my means, my true satisfaction, my all. As Paul concluded, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Following Jesus we never travel alone or on an uncharted course (perhaps unknown to us, but never to him). He leads us along the way. And, perhaps, the most wonderful thing about being a disciple of Christ is that whatever he calls for his followers to do, he provides the enabling to perform. “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

Are you one of his followers?

Are There Few That Be Saved?

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Bible records that it came about that he “went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:22-23). What did this inquirer have in mind when he posed this question to the Savior?

To be saved means to be delivered out of danger into safety. For example, Matthew records that Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when “there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he [Jesus] was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him saying, Lord, save us: we perish” (Matthew 8:24-25; emphasis added). The gospel writer goes on to tell how Jesus “rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was great calm” (Matthew 8:26). The disciples were saved from being overcome by the storm.

Matthew records another event featuring the disciples on the sea during extremely windy weather. “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea…they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord…bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him” (Matthew 14:25-31; emphasis added). Peter was saved from drowning in the sea.

The question, however, to Jesus as he was teaching on this occasion is much more fearful for it contemplated to be saved from a peril far greater than mere loss of life, eternal damnation. Since Adam and Eve disobeyed God and fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, this has been the greatest question. In a time pre-dating Moses, Job’s friend, Bildad, asked “How then can a man be justified with God?” (Job 25:4). The jailer in Philippi asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Man has always sensed his own shortcomings before his Creator.

Sin separates man from God. Scripture teaches that the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Sin does indeed result in death. The universal presence of cemeteries testifies to that. But the Scriptures confirm that “it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27; emphasis added). John gives a glimpse of this judgment. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away…And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God…And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written tin the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15).

Every man and woman enters this world lost in their sin. Without Christ, they stand in peril of losing their very soul. But Jesus “came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Are you saved? Give heed to the answer Paul gave the jailer. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31)

Judge or Savior?

Jesus had testified to being the Jews’ Messiah, the Son of God, and he had performed many miracles to prove his claims. Yet the people refused to believe him. He admonished them for their inability to rightly discern their circumstances. “And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud out of the west, straightway ye say, there cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, there will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?” (Luke 12:54-57). The people knew his claims and they saw his miracles, but they refused to believe.

In light of their obstinacy, Christ gave this admonition. “When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite” (Luke 12:58-59). The meaning is plain enough. When your adversary has a claim against you, settle it with him before he takes you before the judge where the matter will no longer be in your hand.

Jesus taught his audience that there is coming a day of reckoning when every man will appear before the Judge. Then it will be too late to be reconciled. Scripture is filled with this warning. The author of Hebrews testifies “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

We shall all one day stand before God, our Maker and Judge, one day and answer for our sins. His absolute holiness demands that “the very last mite” must be paid. This is a debt that we cannot pay. No amount of good works can eradicate the guilt and stain of our sins. “But God commandeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being justified [declared righteous] by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:8-9).

It is by the blood of Christ that we are washed of our sins, forgiven, and declared righteous in the court room of heaven. Christ bore the wrath due each of us for our sins on the cross of Calvary. He died for me, and he died for you. We dare not be like those in our Savior’s day that could “discern the face of the sky and of the earth” but not discern this time of his claim to be their Messiah. Rather, we should heed the Lord’s admonition to settle the matter before we are delivered to the Judge where exaction of the debt shall be made.

Now is the time to come to Christ if you have not already. For God “commandeth all men every where to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). The resurrected Lord is both Savior and Judge. He is Savior to those who trust in him and will judge those who have not believed. Which one will he be to you?