Judgment Day is Coming!

Matthew 13:41-43  (Jesus said,)  41 “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of the kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.  42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.   He who has ears, let him hear.”

These are the facts – Judgment Day is coming.  It isn’t a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.  And when it comes, there is only one thing that matters.  Not cruise ships.  Not nest eggs.  Not a career path.  Not a cabin up north, a ranch out west or a timeshare down south.  The one and only thing that matters is this – will I be safe on Judgment Day or not?
Some will be terrified on that day. Unfortunately, they decided to live without God during their lives, and now they are doomed to spend their eternity without him as well.  Imagine their faces when the LORD roars and thunders!  The angels of heaven will weed out all who cause sin and do evil.  Their future?  The fiery furnace.  Weeping in “oh my, this is terrible!” and gnashing of teeth in “why didn’t I think about my relationship with God sooner” frustration.

Yet notice that only some will be terrified on that day – not all. Some will be safe as can be when the universe explodes, nestled quietly in their Savior’s arms.  It’s not because they’ve never done anything evil or never caused anybody to sin.  It’s because the same LORD throwing some into the fiery furnace will also be a refuge for his people on Judgment Day.  Really?  Which people?  Those who have quit trying to earn their way into heaven because they trust, “Jesus lived, died and rose FOR ME” are safe.  Those who lean on Jesus’ promises are inside the stronghold of God when the universe goes down the tubes.  Those who are beggars before God, leaning only on his mercy are secure on Judgment Day.
These are the facts – there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  Not now.  Not on Judgment Day.
Do you know anyone who would be on the wrong side of the fence on Judgment Day?  Think about the terror on their face when that day catches them off-guard.  Then share what Jesus has done for them.  You still have time to help!  You still have a chance, so that Judgment Day would no longer a day of horror, but a day of relief.
Prayer – Dear Savior, keep me safe in your promises, that there is no condemnation for those who are in you, that I might be safe on Judgment Day and share your safety with many.  Amen.
God bless and see you Sunday at 9:30 for worship!  Let’s thank Jesus together for making Judgment Day a day of peace, not horror.