November 2 2018 – Click here to listen
The latest poll tells us that the American people are split 60-40 on the issue of the caravan of wannabe illegal immigrants to the United States. Actually 40% of our citizens think we should allow them in. No one can blame these people for trying. After all we offer more opportunity than their home country and a virtual goldmine of welfare to help get them started; however, they are breaking the law and according to the law must be turned back to apply for citizenship through an orderly process.
I was thinking of this problem this morning and I thought of heaven. Even the most ardent agnostic among us believes that somehow God will just allow them into His presence to enjoy His peace, joy, and love forever. Rarely will you find anyone who actually thinks they are going to end up in hell, eternally separated from God in a place of torment. Jesus said there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth in this place of fire and brimstone.
Quite naturally no one wants to reside in such a place forever. Far too many think that God will just give them a wink and a nod and allow them to walk on in and enjoy themselves; however, God has established the ultimate border wall. He is unconcerned about polls and will enforce the law to the letter.
Check out the Scripture beginning in Luke 16:22 – So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Then 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.’ But Abraham said ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
It is obvious in this parable that God’s border wall cannot be breached. There is but one way to reach paradise after we depart this earth and that is through the narrow gate – Jesus Christ. You cannot be good enough to enter heaven. It is through the blood of Jesus sacrificed for your sins and mine that atonement is achieved. God is not subject to human standards or what we perceive to be right, or wrong, or fair. He is a Holy sacred judge that abides by the laws established by Him before what we know as creation ever existed.
So, what does that tell those of us who desire to reside in His glorious splendor forever? We must decide to follow Christ and not the world. He tells us that we must acknowledge Jesus for who He is, the Son of God who died and arose three days later. We must ask His forgiveness for our sins, repent or turn away from our sins, and follow Jesus and try to obey His laws as best we know how. It seems a small price to pay for such a great everlasting reward, but Satan has deceived the world into thinking we don’t need a Savior and that somehow God’s word doesn’t really matter.
It breaks His heart I know, and it breaks mine. I always thought it odd that the Bible instructs us to think of death often, but I came to understand that it is wise advice. Most of us tend to think of this life on earth almost entirely unless we or someone we know is on their deathbed. Many go through life merrily pursuing wealth, material possessions, good times with friends and family, recognition, etc. for the entire span of their short lives with rarely a thought of God or what comes next. Better to think about the glory of existence with Christ forever more than the fleeting things of this life that will be soon be left behind.
Amen?
Matt. 7:13
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.”
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!