Are you ready?
Let’s say a thief broke into your house (an amazing way to start an article) in the middle of the night. While you were asleep, they snuck in through a tiny creek of a window left open and took all of your things while your guard was down. If you were expecting and knew ahead of time that the thief was going to try to attempt to break in, of course, you would have made sure all the windows were shut, that the security system was on, and that the doors (especially the back ones) were closed. You would prepare yourself (or at least I hope you would) for the event you know is going to take place.
Now, let’s apply this metaphor to the worldwide situation we’re in currently. What if Jesus came back right now, at the moment of you reading this article? Can you boldly, proudly, and honestly say you would be ready? I want you to sit and evaluate where your heart posture is right now. Are you living a life that is constantly pleasing in God’s sight, not only through your actions but also your thoughts and your heart posture? Would you be prepared, or would he creep on you, like a burglar sneaking through a window?
God’s word says that Jesus will come when people least expect him to, like a thief in the night to those who are spiritually asleep and undiscerning. While people are getting married, partying, and doing drastic things in today’s world, he will come when people least expect him.
This world is full of distractions, one of them being (the main topic of this series), social media. People underestimate the danger of wasting so much time that could be used changing lives, acting on profound ideas granted by God-given creativity, and etc., because of a habit- endlessly scrolling on social media. The truth of the matter is, that tomorrow is not promised, and neither is the end of today. Time waits for no person, and no person knows when Christ will return. If I could encourage you with any truth right now, it would be telling you that Jesus loves you, and he wants you to be with him- not temporarily, or in half-heartedness, but every ounce of your inner human being. Please, get your hearts right with God before it’s too late. I don’t want any of you reading this to age, look back, and realize you could have spent your time a lot wiser, impacting a lot more lives, because regret is one of the worst emotional burdens to ever experience.
I feel like people joke about hell way too often as if it’s some make-believe place that was made up in LaLa land, but the truth is- again, both Heaven and Hell are very real places. The good news is, for those who are prepared and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, doing their best to live a life that is in commune with him, his word says they will be given rewards- crowns of honor for maintaining an honest heart posture. Not only that, but they will get to spend eternity in peace, without pain, hurt, or sorrow torturing them- praising God with the choirs of Heaven.
However, for the people who willingly choose to live a worldly life and refuse to accept God’s love, and instead, intentionally store up wrath for themselves by cursing the very one who loves them (not only that but who harm the innocent and gain joy from it), the scriptures say that they will be able to live for eternity without him, as they wish- in burning fire that never ends, cast away from his presence forever.
Matthew 13:42 states, “And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
“ But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”- Revelation 21:8
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.” Revelation 22:12