Considering Hell

 

Jesus told a story of a man who finds himself suffering in Hell (Lk 16). The suffering described all stems from the man excluding God from his life. While considering the horrors of Hell, we should also consider that God loved us so much that He allowed His Son to suffer the pain of Hell of for us. Jesus took the Hell we deserve, Rom 3:25. The darkest punishment you can conceiver has been applied to Jesus for you.

Listen up!

  

Jesus often used the words, "He who has ears, let him hear," but while using those words, he also used stories that were not easily understood by the religious leaders (Lk 8:10). It seems like Jesus held back truth for those who really wanted it and were willing to seek him out in private to get it. Do you seek out Jesus today for truth?

What are you filling your barns with?

 

Jesus once told a parable about a rich man who had so much crop wealth, he needed to tear down his barn and build a larger one. The irony of the story was that the rich man would die the next day and never get to enjoy what he had hoarded Lk 12. Are you holding on to more wealth than you need? Have you considered filling your barn with love instead of material gain?

Could you share your love in the face of hate?

 When asked, who we should love (Luke 10), Jesus responded with a story about the "good Samaritan." In the story, Jesus described a man who generously cared for another man, who should have been considered his natural enemy. The story emphasizes the care we should take in loving our enemies. How have you been able to show love to those who seem to hate you?

The God of Weeping and Laughing

A single event can bring tears and laughter. Consider Ezra 3, when the new temple's foundation was laid. The young people shouted for joy with excitement, while the older men wept loudly. We can take comfort in knowing that the God of happy shouting is also the God of great despair. No matter what you are feeling, God should be a part of that experience.

Happy to be here

 

Christians often use Psalm 122 to remind us of the blessing we receive when we attend church. However, we should take care no to mistake our church buildings for God's presence. When we gather, either in person or through virtual meeting (Matt 18:20), we are benefiting from seeing God's spirt in our brothers and sisters (John 14).  How are you finding others to worship with?

Honor cannot be seized

When viewing an altercation for the "seats of honor" at a dinner, Jesus told a short story about a man who took a position of honor that did not belong to him. The story ends with the man being shamed while he is sent to a place of less significance (Luke 14).  How do you seek honor that might not belong to you? Can you take comfort in the fact that Christ gave up his position of honor for you?