Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- February 7, 2012
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.” Luke 16:22-24
The promise of hell is not fun to talk about, but is a somber reality relayed by our Savior Jesus. He is our Savior because He saves us from our sins and from eternal damnation in hell. Hell brings separation—Jesus brings reconciliation. Hell brings torment—Jesus brings peace. Hell brings darkness—Jesus brings light. Hell hurts—Heaven heals.
Our same loving Lord who promises heaven, also promises hell. Indeed, heaven is sweeter, because of the sour taste eternal separation from God leaves on the lips of our soul. We begin our experience of hell on earth when we choose our own way, in contrast to Christ’s way. Separation on earth from God is a precursor to separation from the Almighty in eternity. It is a fearful place of loneliness that lacks love and security.
“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” Luke 12:5
It is the fear of the Lord that brings focus to His holiness and our unholy condition outside of Christ. You may experience the wrath of men, because you chose to fear God. But, better to be known as a God-fearing man or woman than to experience the wrath of God. The power of man looks powerless in the presence of the One who has the power to cast the unsaved into hell. Sinners in the hands of a holy God desperately need His grace.
So, you and I are blessed to have the opportunity to appropriate belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of the living God. He not only saves us from hell, but He saves us from our sins, and from ourselves. By His sacrificial love, He replaces eternity in an unrighteous hell with a righteous heaven. Yes, you can repent on your deathbed, but why not start heaven’s journey now? Hell’s fury is for the faithless, but when you walk by faith, you have only the Lord to fear.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2
Lord, how can I grow in my gratitude to You that there is no condemnation in Christ?
Related Readings: Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43-47; James 3:6; 2 Peter 2:4
Post/Tweet this today: Hell’s fury is for the faithless, but by faith, we have only the Lord to fear. #hell
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Help me out here….what about Job? He did the right thing and yet he was living hell on earth. Not much has gone right in my life for the past three years (Actually, you could say it started spiraling down starting in 2002.) Trust me, I always think it is me…what am I doing wrong? I am growing weary….can’t imagine what Job must have went through.
Amen! I stand by this verse.
Thank you for the reminder that hell is real. Fear the Lord /