Lent Day 13 February 25, 2013

Lent Day 12 Judgment by Jesus’ Words Read John 12:44-50 John 12:48 Whoever rejects me and does not accept my message has one who will judge him. The words I have spoken will be his judge on the last day! WARNINGS are a good thing, aren’t they? They keep us safe from danger, for example, as we drive when a road sign warns us of sharp curves and steep hills ahead. We slow down and negotiate the road safely, unless… Unless we don’t heed the warnings. If we ignore the signs and drive normal speed, we could have an accident, damaging our car and possibly even losing our life. Jesus did not want his followers to lose their lives by ignoring him. He made it clear—and we need to listen today—that it is imperative we listen to him, that we believe him. If we do not, a future judgment awaits us. How horrible—can’t even describe it or conceive of it—to stand before God and then be sent to Hell? It’s an ugly picture beyond description. This fate is so horrible; you don’t even want your worst enemy, the most hateful person you know of to go there. It is a judgment with no parole, no clemency, no delayed sentencing. It is a judgment for eternity (sink in—e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y). If you reject Jesus, God will reject you on that Day of Judgment when you stand before him. This is not a game. It is not a contest to see who wins this time before we get another shot. Nope. It’s a onetime thing, and it’s forever. Jesus came to die and rise again for your eternal life. He came to save you for all time. Heed his word. Believe his word. One day, when you stand before the Great Judge, it is Jesus you must confess. Pause and Consider: how you need to live a “resurrected life”. Please, tell your friends—and your enemies.