For those of us who are adopted into God’s family by Jesus’ atoning death, and have the assurance of life with Him by His resurrection, we long to go Home.
Judging by the hundreds of comments on my platforms, there is helplessness and hopelessness that is leading to putting blame where it doesn’t belong, and rage against many who have had nothing to do with the violent incidents common in our society. And the absolute venom in so many comments tells me that so many have no hope and no understanding of what lies ahead. They are filled with pain. Of course this is no surprise…matters of the spirit make no sense to those living of, and for, the world. The world is very hopeless place. Thankfully it will pass away.
For the Christians who are destroyed and seemingly perish prematurely (in reality there is no such thing, our days are already numbered by God; it isn’t up to us how or when He calls us home) there is no such thing as rage, blame, or violence. They are Home. They are with their Savior. They have completed the race and attained the prize. They have been taken to where their souls have longed to be. In strictly human and worldly thought, death is to be feared and avoided at all costs, and whoever/whatever causes it is the enemy. When we have no fear of death, however, and know that it is the bridge to heaven…in the blink of an eye we go from the unthinkable here, to joy like no person in the world can even imagine! For those who don’t believe…it is understandable why such venomous rage is consuming them, making them strike out everywhere and at everyone. Meanwhile, those victims now have nothing but peace and joy and everlasting love.
Does anything excuse violence, or injustice, or unfairness, or all of the crimes which beset our societies? Of course not! And they will also be judged for the atrocities they commit, and pay for them throughout eternity (as well as here on earth, one would hope). But for those who choose to respond with hate, there is no hope, and no comfort for their hearts. And so the tragedies of this world become even more tragic for so many!
Until the last day there will be violence in the world. There will be atrocities of all kinds. And it will continue to get worse until only by the grace of God can we even withstand it. That is the world, and what it is. Those that put their hope in this system will continue to be angry and bitter at what happens here. But those victims of the evil here now have no thought of the experience – only peace, and an unending eternity full of joy and love.
They are Home. And knowing this, as well as my own future there, brings peace to my own heart.
Here are some other truths that can bring peace to our hearts.
Excellent post. I read several chapters in Jeremiah this morning and one point made was that individuals will not be judged my what their fathers sinned but the individual will be judged by their own iniquities,
Therre are those who continually blame God for things. We do have a choice… God gave us the ability to use reason and logic to make choices. Those choices have consequences. God even said to choose blessing or cursing, life or death and added the Fatherly advice to choose life.
Yes He did – and Amen! Good words my love!
Very good!
This is the problem of evil. Evil among humanity also extends to the aggression of animals as well as disease and even death. This evil in the universe has existed since the fall.
You mention the solution. It is the solution to every type of evil, everywhere, among all of creation. One day God will create a new earth which will not have disease, death or aggression. There will be a separation between those rewarded by God and those punished by Him. Part of the reason the new earth will be so free from evil is that those who are evil will not be there.
Some people don’t want to have any part of God’s new creation (why?). They think they will party in Hell. But Hell is where every evil criminal and “soul-less” human goes for punishment. Imagine trying to enjoy yourself when you are surrounded by people whose only joy will come from making you afraid and miserable. I could never “party” with child rapists and such. Those who think it will be a “party” have not thought this one through.
Excellent points, Don! Rounds out the explanation very well, and I truly appreciate your words. I can’t wait – though I have to – until that day!