“Beats me. I called them hours ago to let them know, but they haven’t shown up."
“They haven’t been here much lately, have they?"
“Not since he went into a comatose state a week ago."
John listened to the words of Sue and Carol, but he did not know them. “Who are they talking about," John wondered. Why couldn’t he hear the voice of his wife and kids? John slowly realized they were talking about him. He had no sense of time and struggled to open his eyes to ask about his family.
John felt the anger seething within him. How could they leave me alone that long? He never let anyone or anything stand in his way to fulfill their desires. Money had been tight most of the time, but he always managed to somehow get it for them. Yes, time with them had been sparse before he got sick. What did they expect? He worked hard to finally attain his position and was not going to willingly give that up. Certainly, they knew and understood the importance of what he did.
As his fury built within, he felt an odd sensation throughout his body. His pain disappeared. Was he finally receiving the healing from his cancer? Suddenly, his eyes were opened. He realized he wasn’t in the hospital anymore. The talking women were nowhere in sight. Where was he? He stood in a place void of color and dimension. “John," a voice called. He turned around and saw no one. “What have you done with my Son?"
“Oh, I know this answer," John said. “I accepted Him as my Savior."
“Really?" the voice inquired. “Where is the proof?"
“That is easy," John began his recitation of deeds over his 60 years of life. “In his name, I always used my gift of music in every church I attended. I was at church every time the doors were open. In his name, I led a worship team for adults and teens. In fact, in His name, I finally was able to start my own church where 400 people attend and everyone is comfortable. I sacrificed my time to listen to people go on about their problems, so they will attend my church. I went….."
“Enough," a response came as loud as thunder.
A man now stood before John. John knew that he should know him well, but he realized he did not know him at all.
“I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness," the man sadly spoke to John.
“What? Why?"
“Nothing was done in my name," the man kindly but firmly stated. A deep rage stirred within John's spirit. “You did not reflect my love and forgiveness to your family and those you called friend. You refused to take responsibility for those you wounded with your words and actions. You led astray those who had tasted my grace and tickled their ears with your forms of godliness. You may have used my name, but I was never present."
The man spread His arms, and John saw the nail pierced hands.
“You are Jesus," John spoke as he turned to leave. Indeed, he never did know Him.
How about us? Would we recognize Him or would we realize like John, that we never really knew Him at all? How would Jesus respond to the way we live? Would He point out our Sunday mask? If we stood before His throne and were held accountable for our words and actions with His church, what would He call them? The Scriptures make it clear that we are indeed known by the fruit we display in our words and actions.
Based on Matthew 7:15-29; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; and Revelation 9:18-21, John 8.
Beckie Stewart is a mother of 5, one adopted from Kazakhstan.
» left by Susan (206 days 16 hours ago.)
It is easy to get caught up in "doing ministry" and neglecting to love unless we depend on the Lord, then we will know Him, and our good deeds will be in His name because we can't take credit for them. Thanks for this reminder, Beckie.
» left by Beckie (206 days 16 hours ago.)
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. Respond to this comment
» left by Cathy from Georgia (206 days 11 hours ago.)
An excellent illustration of one of the most important truths of the Bible. Great devotional! Respond to this comment
» left by Susan Thom(8,705) Susan Thom (206 days 6 hours ago.)
hi beckie,
this was a well written, clever article that makes one think, and i have thought about this through the years-what do you say to God?
on the show "The Actors Studio" where they interview celebrities, one of the last questions asked is, "If you beleve in Heaven, what would you like God to say when you enter the Pearly Gates?
i'd like to say, What the Hell was that all about?"
thanks for sharing,
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
» left by Regina from San Jose,Ill (205 days 20 hours ago.)
Beckie,You know how to get our tension.I think it is very easy to get like that if we put ourselves first. Respond to this comment
» left by (205 days 15 hours ago.)
Very good story. Really kept my attention.
» left by Wanda Liggett from Fort Worth, Tx (203 days 14 hours ago.)
Wanda Liggett It really caused me to think of things that I do, sometimes with the wrong attitude. I am enjoying your articles so very much. Thanks for sharing your talent with me and others.
» left by Beckie (203 days 13 hours ago.)
Thanks for reading and commenting on my article. Yes, I have to think too, which is what my articles do for me too. Respond to this comment
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