He saw the group coming and knew their ritual.  With a broad smile Bobby yelled out, “Hey Milford where you going when you die?”  The rest of the group was on the edge of laughter.  It didn’t matter what Milford might reply.  It was the gang’s happy game to make fun of the Christian.

“I’m going to heaven to live with my Lord Jesus forever” came the stern reply.  Bobby was laughing so hard he couldn’t contain the spit.  “You hope” he blerted out.  With a beautifully peaceful face and full of sincerity, Milford said, “No Bobby I know.”  The boys just let the laughter fade and walked away.

You see, some Christians just don’t play fair.  While some may hold that knowledge with hope or a vague faith, some believe the Lord Jesus as if to a knowing.  The faith of these is almost unshakable.

By His Grace

It is possible that many people believe if they do not learn more about Christianity they will not be held responsible.  But what does the nature of society teach us?

Should a child in third grade refuse to read and learn anymore?  And if he is allowed to choose this path what is the quality of his life?  He is certainly destined to suffer loss.  He will not be offered the rewards in life which is piers will consume.  He has refused the reasonable and expected responsibility.

We look forward to the rewards which come from the hand of the living God.  How can such people expect reward for refusing the responsibility of their position in Christ.

Remember the saying, “If you will not work you will not eat.”   And consider, there is a great banquet to attend.  What more could I possibly say to jar them into acceptance of God’s reasonable expectations?  If there is more I will gladly say it.

By His Grace

Anxiety filled the Lord Jesus twice.  He prayed so hard, before His trial, that His sweat became drops of blood.  Only an intense internal struggle could cause such a display.  But this struggle was not selfish in nature.  He was preparing for an epic undertaking.  God was about to be crucified for the sake of all creation.

He wept real tears because anxiety filled His soul.  He did not weep out of frustration that men would not listen to Him.  Weeping came because of fear.  Jesus was completely aware that this “Good News” He was building is sure.  No doubt entered into His heart, as it might into ours.  Sadness, fear for men’s future, and anxiety at their blind plight consumed Him to tears.

” 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.;'”  (Luke 13)

I wake with anxiety.   I sleep with anxiety.   I speak, write and consider with anxiety.   But the anxiety is not for me.  Nor is there frustration which might be associated with isolation.  We come to believe in the Gospel more strongly than others believe in the reality of this world.

The plight of the unsaved consumes my days and nights.  But what can be done if they refuse to take their attention off the things of this world?  So anxiety remains.   Much like the fan who sits up on the edge of his seat as the last few minutes of the game trickle away.  So it becomes for those who believe.

I search the horizon for salvation to appear among men.  Yet, as long as there is even one left, how shall this fire of anxiety be quenched?

By His Grace