“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matt. 28:18)
Every person ever born is going to meet God, face to face. You will meet with Him one day, and He is going to ask you questions that you will answer.
Does this frighten you?
If you have been born-again and it does, you need to ask yourself why, and then listen intently and see if it is the mind that serves Christ or the flesh that serves sin that answers you.
I believe I can guarantee each one of you that have been crucified with Christ this answer, He is going to be so happy to meet you in person.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)
A precious moment does not infer anger or remorse, you should not envision a scowl on His face or downturned eyes, but a deep appreciation that one of His own has finally arrived at their eternal home. Expect to be met with open arms and a loving smile my friends.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)
You will be condemned for nothing, there will be no fierce words, no frowns, there will be joy, a joy that is reminiscent of the father of the prodigal son who not only greeted him with great happiness, but ran to him when he saw him a long way off.
Put those notions of an angry Savior far from you, and see Him for who He is, a near kinsman, one who gave all for you and did so with joy in His heart. That angry face, that furrowed brow, those harsh words and condemning nature, those are reserved for those He will judge at the Great White Throne, for those who denied Him, despised Him, counted His sacrifice as a lite thing.
You will see a smile.
Even if you lose rewards, there will be joy unspeakable on that day.
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” (Rev. 15:3)
Now, how can you be frightened of one who is happy, not just happy, but thrilled to finally meet you, to hold you in His arms as you hear Him say “I love you so much.”
No works-based religious organization will tell you these truths, they want you in the bondage of fear, of works that are meant to make the Lord love you, or at least not be too angry with you. They want you to offer deeds, not accept the fact that the deed has already been accomplished, they want you to remain unsure, not come to the truth of the assurance of salvation. They want you to fear that moment.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)
There is eternal rest in these truths, there is a peace that passes all understanding.
What is the longest time you have been away from someone you love deeply, and they you? What was the anticipation like in your heart when after all that time you were only a few minutes away from finally embracing them again?
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1st Cor. 15:55)
That is how the Lord Jesus Christ feels when it is almost time for you to finally come home.
I will admit, I do not hug, except for my beautiful wife, I shake hands, and then only before much contemplation, for that act means something of value to me. If my Savior holds out His hand to me, I will be honored, if I hear “Well done,” I will be humbled, if I only hear “Welcome home” it will be enough.
But if He smiles as me, I fear I may break into tears.
Someday, perhaps soon, you will be called home, there will not be a waiting line, you will be immediately in His presence.
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2nd Cor. 5:8)
Put this nonsense of fear of that day far from you, eternal love awaits, His smiling face awaits you.
