I imagine that the day after Easter is quite busy for the devil. He knows scripture and that when Jesus comes again he will be cast into hell. The devil has no power over God but he tries to exert power over men and women, boys and girls. He will try to convince people that their decision to follow Jesus was just based on emotion and the specialness of Easter. He will try to convince them that they are not a new creature in Christ. He will do his darndest (I’m thinking of a stronger word) to tell them anything to add doubt. You see – the devil is evil and wants as much company in hell as will listen to him today. How he considers that a win for him escapes me.
I saw a glimpse of Heaven today in the movement of Holy Spirit bringing new believers or renewed believers to the alter. I remember a family, years ago, who wanted their son to be the first baptized believer in the new church building. I hope his faith was in line with his parent’s plan. And so goes Easter. Mostly mothers were coupled with children to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior (where are the dads you ask)? There was an outpouring of faith that will need to survive Monday. On Monday there may be no one to remind you that you are a new creature in Christ but you are, so, let Holy Spirit help. Begin a new way of filtering your thoughts as if they are directed right to God. Let Him do some sorting and be happy. Be happy that you once were lost and at risk of missing hope. Be happy that you have a new partner in this life and the next. Be happy and then do it again on Tuesday along with some prayer, bible reading, and a church that helps disciple you. If you are a loan wolf you could become a loan lamb targeted by the devil.
Jesus BC. Where was Jesus before His birth as 100% human and 100% God? The Gospel of John begins with a history lesson to answer this question. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him; and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness did not comprehend it.” Whenever the ‘beginning’ took place, Jesus was there doing. He was/is the effulgence (same stuff) of God, with God, and very busy creating everything. Jesus brings life and light to all. I know we don’t understand all of that but it would also be narrow to just believe in the Jesus around whom the calendar of the world is centered, beginning at year zero.
God loves desperate people. God loves everyone, but, those who have been touched by the devil carry loads of fear and doubt about how far Jesus can separate us from our sins. How about as far as the east is from the west? Your bad is no match for Jesus’ good. I drove to Costco on my way home from the beautiful Easter service referenced above because the internet ‘suggested’ the gas station was open – and it wasn’t. However, in this round trip I did find something open. There is a drive-thru coffee stand nearby. No, I didn’t stop but the flashing sign said ‘Pink Devil Espresso’. Whoever named this business conveys something more serious than planned. Yes pink is pretty. Pink devil sounds like yet another oxymoron trying to suggest that a bikini selling coffee is OK. It is unwholesome and blurs the line between sin and silliness. Repent.
Is it too late if you have already left the church building and exited there standing on the ledge? No. Just pray for wisdom and read the above again. If you reject Jesus you have rejected Heaven. I have a sweet friend who tells me that, because God is love, He would never ‘send’ anyone to hell. You are correct in that God does not send anyone to hell. Our choice determines our destiny. Free will is yours but don’t test God with your theory that you can outsmart the holy living God. Don’t risk eternity. Don’t do it – please dear friend.
