Does the thought “He’s coming to get me!” create fear, or joy? In a bad dream, the thought implies fear, danger, harm! On the other hand, while waiting for a ride at the airport, or after practice, or in a car that quit, it’s a thought of comfort, joy, relief.
Both of those thoughts apply to Judgment Day. Christ is coming! This can invoke either fear and dread—“Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.” (Luke 23:30 KJV), or joy and relief—“Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28 KJV) The ones who despise the Savior, even unto death, will face the music—“Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41 KJV) Those who trust the Lord’s mercy in Christ even unto death will hear, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34 KJV) For one group it’s a day of regret, anger, and shaking the fist at God. For the other, joy, peace, and extending arms to the Lord, receiving the ultimate “Get-out-of-Jail-Free” card—freed from sin’s physical grave and spiritual grave.
The Day of Judgment
Do be aware, there will be no “silver lining” for those that fail, no second chance, no short-cut, no jury-rigging an alternate way. His verdict will stand. He has come to “get” you.
It is not difficult to accept the fact that there will be a Day of Judgment. Even an unbeliever may have a vague sense of impending judgment. The part that is difficult to swallow is the reason for the condemnation—lack of perfection! Our holy, wise, and almighty Creator demands perfection from each, inside and out. The proud human heart reacts, “Hey! No one can do that! What do you expect? It’s not fair! It’s Your fault, God, that I don’t measure up. You expect the impossible! You are unreasonable!” How can anyone meet God’s spiritual demands? No self-centeredness, no jealousy, no get-even’s, no harsh words, no lust for things off-limits, no sin. Ever. Yet, “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10 KJV) “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” (Galatians 3:10 KJV) Judgment Day is coming. God will not be apologetic and say, “I hate to do this, but . . .” God is true and right. God will get you!
We need help. Together with sinking Peter we say, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30 KJV) And the Lord provides help, big Help! He sent His eternal Son to deliver, help, rescue, save—each and all—from the devil and his successful schemes against you, from your own foolish buying into the devil’s lies, from every sin—bold sins, careless sins, even “but-I-meant-well” sins. In love for you, the Son paid the price for your pardon and freedom. He has redeemed you from the physical grave, and from hell’s total separation from God. Jesus has died and risen for you! He is coming to take you home, to safety, peace, joy forever. “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord!” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV)
Rejoice! He’s coming to get you. Bask in the love of Judgment Day!
recently retired from the pastorate of Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church in Lemmon, South Dakota.