Life With God…Without God
This morning I enjoyed connecting with my friend, community leader and college instructor Dr. Jose Valdes in Windsor. This afternoon I participated in my first “FaceBook Live” presentation. This “webinar” format focused on West Nile Virus. It included myself, Dr. Tony Pearson from McKee Medical Center (my hospitalist) and a representative from the Larimer Health Department. You can check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/BannerHealth/
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30 NLT
Three times in Matthew’s gospel, the eternal judgment of those who rebel against the Lord is described as being “thrown into outer darkness.” Perhaps there is no greater “punishment” than being alone and in the dark. The highest level of incarceration for violent and dangerous offenders in our prison system is “solitary confinement.”
While there is much we don’t know about “heaven” and “hell” the nature of the two is clearly seen in the Bible. In Revelation we see the punishment of the Devil and his angels being described as thrown into “a life of fire.” We also see the reference to a “lake of fire” as the “second death.” But we also see the condition that causes “weeping and nashing of teeth” related to isolation and darkness.
When I think of total darkness, I relate that to experiences of being on a tour of a cave and for a moment the lights are all turned off. It is the kind of darkness where you literally can’t “see your hand in front of your face.” When you add to that complete isolation, it is easy to relate to the torment of the situation.
Just as “hell” being viewed as being “down” and “heaven” is viewed as being “up” so is the contrast between God’s environment and that of Satan. The realm of Satan is darkness, the realm of God is light. Satan separates, divides and brings isolation. God brings connection, unity and togetherness. All that Satan offers is related to “this life” what the Lord offers extends for all eternity.
Consider the eternal destiny of those who place their faith in Christ. Paul says, “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV) When Paul wrote about the possibility of his death he referred to “being present with the Lord.” (Philippians 1:21) Jesus comforted His disciples with the words, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am…” (John 14:3 NIV)
When God made Adam, His first observation was, “it is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18) As a result, God created “marriage” with the creation of Eve, that brought about a family, which brought about nations to live in community. Satan works to destroy what God has created and intended for people. As a result he brings down nations, families and marriages. God unites, Satan divides. God is about being together, Satan is about being alone. God is about light, Satan is about darkness. God is about life, Satan is about death.
The culmination of God’s plan and purpose is seen in Revelation 21. “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God…” (Revelation 21:3 ESV)
To be in “heaven” is to be with God in His place with His people. To be in “hell” is to be isolated, in darkness and in suffering and pain: physical, emotional and spiritual. God’s desire is for all to be with Him. That is why we see beginning in the Old Testament the cry to “choose life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19) That is why we see in the New Testament invitations like:“come all you who are weary….and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)
Prayer for today…. Lord, today, I choose to submit to the “with Him” God. The One who offers and gives meaning to life in his world and the promise of grand place in Your presence for all eternity. When we have You, we are never alone or in the dark.