“At that time there will be tears and bitter regret – to see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets inside the kingdom of God, and you yourselves excluded, outside! Yes, and people will come from the east and the west, and from the north and the south, and take their seats in the kingdom of God. There are some at the back now who will be in the front then, and there are some in front now who will then be far behind.” (Luke 13:28-30 Phillips)
In the novel, Rooms, by James L. Rubart, Micah realizes he cannot live a double life with worldly values in Seattle and Christian values in Cannon Beach. But if he chooses Cannon Beach, he’ll lose his software empire and all his money and stock. He can’t imagine living life without God or his new Christian girlfriend, Sarah, whom he is wildly in love with. But if he chooses Cannon Beach, he won’t have a job. Out of fear, he chooses Seattle. He calls Sarah from Seattle to tell her he hadn’t lost his fortune. Not only didn’t she care, she forgot their last three months of falling in love. Lost in tears and regret, Micah immediately returned to Cannon Beach, but it appeared to be too late. Sarah didn’t love him anymore.
If we don’t let Jesus lead us, we’ll have regrets. Yesterday, in our journey, we were left outside the kingdom of God. The door was closed because we refused to repent and take Jesus’ hand to help us through. Today, the door is open and our spirits are looking inside the kingdom of God. Like the Pharisees, our pride kept us from Jesus. We wanted to save ourselves, but it’s not possible. We see our family, the prophets, and people from all over the world sitting in God’s kingdom receiving His blessing.
But we’re apart from God, unblessed. Now we realize, “Blessed are those who come in the name of the Lord.” Then, we’ll see Jesus. We want to go in but we procrastinated and a long line has formed. Because our pride kept us from seeking Jesus, we’ll be last in line. Will we make it through the door? The answer is at the end of Chapter 15 of our journey to Jerusalem.
Most reading this Scripture are already part of God’s kingdom. Perhaps we’re low on the world’s social ladder, maybe not, but when we choose Jesus and humbleness, we’re at the beginning of the line in God’s kingdom. If we have a friend or loved one in danger of being at the end or not in line at all, we can be angels of prayer and love.
Dearest Father in Heaven, I know I need a savior, and I choose Jesus. I believe He died as a sacrifice for my sin. Because He rose, I will rise, too. I am Your child, so help me be an angel of prayer and love to advance Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I have thought about this devotion a lot this morning. As you told me yesterday I am through the door because I believe in Jesus, I repent for my sins and I try my best to always be humble. I do worry about family and friends that have not let Jesus into their lives. I pray that something positive will happen to show the non-believers there is reason to believe. I pray an angel will show them the way.
Jesus died so you wouldn’t have to worry. God loves your family and friends more than you do. They may be wasting their lives on earth by not doing God’s will, but His plan continues, and He wants salvation for all. Keep spreading His love and you may be that angel. It is the Bible’s words, not mine, that tell you you’re through the door. Believe the Bible, not me.