Jesus is Essential
Luke 12:57–59: Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”
The storm of judgment awaits the unbelieving, unrepentant soul. So, to use Jesus’ words, “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way.”
Charles Colson tells about the night he came to understand that he was a sinner on his way to judgment. Colson writes:
That night when I … sat alone in my car, my own sin—not just dirty politics, but the hatred and evil so deep within me—was thrust before my eyes, forcefully and painfully. For the first time in my life, I felt unclean, and worst of all, I could not escape. In those moments of clarity I found myself driven irresistibly into the arms of the living God. 1
Walking with Jesus
If anyone refuses to face the Lord on earth as the Deliverer of their sins, they will face Him in heaven as their Judge. Forgiveness is offered on earth for all your sins, if there is repentance. If His grace is refused, only eternal condemnation awaits. Have you explained this reality to your family and friends? There are no special exceptions.
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Best to face your Judge on earth in grace, with the offer of full justification.
Praying
Lord, thank You for the abundance of grace and love, and not the condemnation I really deserved.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1998). Luke: that you may know the truth. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
