Jesus says in the Gospel of Luke 13:24-28, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the house owner gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside, knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ But He will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But He will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’
Jesus goes on to say, later in the verse, “There will be weeping there and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.”
Jesus’ warning is directed at those who claim to be His followers but live in the world, loving their sin and hypocrisy.
According to Luke 13:24-28, Jesus warns that there will be people who will try to enter the kingdom of God but will not be able to. The Lord compares it to a master shutting the door to his house, and those who are not allowed in will plead with him, saying they ate and drank with him (served him) and listened to and lived out His teachings.
They did not do so with genuineness, as if God cannot see all things; indeed, the heart deceives itself (James 1:23-27).
Moreover, the Master will reply that He does not know them or where they come from. Beloved, this loving warning emphasizes that merely claiming to be a follower of Christ is not enough.
True and faithful followers must live their lives in accordance with Jesus’ teachings. We must be born again; it is the Holy Spirit that transforms those who earnestly seek Him with their hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits.
Indeed, now is not the time to play with your salvation; now is not the time to bring the past into the future—the old behaviors and games. I must be as direct as possible: it’s time to clean it up because Jesus is coming.
Throughout the world, many claim to be saved by grace and live for Jesus Christ, but their fruit tells another story.
I recently saw a news report about a tragic incident in the Dominican Republic, where 98 people lost their lives at a nightclub. Hundreds of young people were dancing and having a good time, likely not thinking about their salvation or the afterlife. Most likely engaging in drinking and possibly drug use, despite this they were caught off guard when the entire roof collapsed, leading to this devastating loss of life.
It makes me wonder—how many of those individuals were saved? How many were born again?
This evenings reflection is crucial because today could be our last day. While so many are consumed by politics, division, deceit, and immorality, claiming righteousness while living in stark contrast to it, we must ask ourselves: how many are saved?
Today could indeed be your last day.
I’m certain that those young people were not contemplating their eternity, thinking they had a lifetime ahead of them. Yet, in an instant, everything changed, and lives were lost at ages 21, 22, 30, 40.
It’s not too late; God gives us the opportunity, through Christ’s work on the cross, to be reconciled back to God.
At any given time, like now, we can repent with godly sorrow for the injustices we commit against God to surrender our hearts and lives to Christ.
The Lord is great in mercy; He desires that none should perish, but sadly, many choose to play on the slip and slide—beloved, it ends badly.
The Bible says that all have fallen short of the glory of God, so it’s not a time to beat yourself up but to humble ourselves and offer our lives selflessly to the Lord and allow Him to wash it clean.
Great is the love of Christ for you (John 3:16).
Please, now is the time. Have a blessed evening.
To Christ be the glory,
Sister Christine
C. Beach ©️