“Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not when ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out” (Luke 16:26-28).
Today’s verses issue a warning. Unless you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you are ready to meet the Lord, don’t presume you’ll make Heaven. No doubt, many will be horrified when they stand before God. Just because Israel was God’s chosen people, didn’t give them free passage. They would have to come to Christ like any other sinners. They will face judgment just like the Gentiles. They will either hear “well done” or “depart from me, I never knew you.”
As sad a sight as it will be to see people turned into hell, even worse will be for them to look up into Heaven and see all the old saints, family, and friends as they rejoice in great splendor. The words, “if only” will surely add to the torment of hell.
The next three weeks we will spotlight Heaven. Though we are more prone to focus on Heaven, remember there is “heaven to gain and a hell to shun.” As we live and witness to others, point them to the True Light with eternity in mind.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: How do you daily worship God in your home? Pray to improve.
