Title: Life and Death/ Topic: Eternity

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 15; Ezekiel 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

Scripture: Revelation 6:9, 15-17
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.

15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

Observation: Fact: We will all die. Fact: Some of us who are Christians will be tortured and killed because of our faith in Jesus. Fact: Those who refuse to serve Jesus will also suffer and die at the hand of the Lord.

Application: I don't have a choice about whether or not I will die. I DO have a choice about whether I will choose to serve God, even to the point of death, or whether I will die under the judgment of God. I choose God, life, and heaven. The other choice may gain me a little bit longer time on this earth because I would not be persecuted for my faith but it would end with suffering, death and an eternity of a living "death" in hell. It reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 21:44 where he speaks of himself as the Rock (stone): "He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

Prayer: Father, help me to be strong enough to bear whatever suffering may come to me because I serve you. I pray for a peaceful death but I know that I am not guaranteed that. Also, help me to be effective in leading others to you. I want heaven full and hell empty. I pray especially for my children, grandchildren, and those under our pastoral care. Keep them close to you Lord, and bring them back when they stray.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.