The Miracle of the Donkey
As our home Bible study wound to a close, a young mother ran out to her car for a package she’d forgotten. She left her two-year-old daughter with half a dozen adults and children in the living room. But when Berea saw her mother leave, her face froze with panic. and she raced as fast as her little legs could carry her, vainly stretching for the doorknob. Her screams were laden with terror, as if she believed Mommy would never return.
One of the other women lifted Berea into her arms and tried to comfort her. But it was no use. The toddler wanted no one but Mommy. And mommy was gone.
A few moments later her mother returned, took Berea into her arms, rubbed her back and spoke softly into her ear. In moments, Berea quieted down. Mommy had returned. All was well.
The next morning as I spent time with the Lord in prayer, my thoughts drifted back to that pitiable image of Berea screaming for her mother. And this thought spread through my meditation: “What will it be like for those who rejected Christ all their lives and then find themselves at the Judgment on the other side of death's door – knowing with horrifying certainty – Father has left and is never coming back for them?”
Never coming back.
I cannot imagine the unending and inconsolable grief of those who know they will remain on the other side of the door.
Forever.
The good news, of course, is it doesn’t have to be that way for anyone. I will repeat that for emphasis: The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way for anyone because everyone who comes to Jesus in prayer, confessing and repenting of their sins, everyone who obeys His commandments, they – and only they – can have absolute certainty about Christ’s promises of not only utter forgiveness of their sins but ALSO that He is returning for them.
He IS returning for THEM.
Listen to Jesus’ promise: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be” (John 14:1-3).
Forever is a good place to be if we’re on the right side of the door.
Are you on the right side of the door? If you’re not sure, then you now know how to be sure.
Please. Be sure.