The Day of Reckoning

“Will there ever be justice? Will there ever be accountability for the evil that has been done?”

We had a rule in our home growing up; when we kids were home without dad or mom, no friends were permitted in the house. (Image from ppic.org)

One day when I was home alone, my friend Steve came over and asked if I wanted to play some ball.  I told him I could not because I had to do chores. He offered to help, so I invited him in.  

Then my heart stopped when I heard the sound of a diesel engine.  

It was my dad. The only person with a diesel in the neighborhood. I told Steve, “Quick, you have to get outside!” As my dad turned in the driveway, Steve and I were casually visiting through the screen door.  

After my dad came in the house I heard, “Clint!” When I walked to the room he was in, he asked if I vacuumed like I was supposed to. I said, “Yes.” Then he pointed out some dirt on the floor. At that point my story fell apart, because Steve vacuumed that room.  

I knew the house rules, but I was trying to lie and get away with it. Instead, I got caught.  

There is coming a day when all of us will get caught. One day every evil deed we have done, we will be held accountable for.  

Jesus once spoke of the future saying, “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:40-42)   

All over the world, evil and injustice exist. And where there is justice, it is not always fair leading us to get angry and frustrated wondering, “Will there ever be justice?  Will there ever be accountability for the evil that has been done?” 

To those who ponder such questions, Jesus gives a resounding, “Yes!”

In the future, Jesus will return to the earth, and when He does, it will be the beginning of the end, when all people will stand before Him in judgement.  

During this time there will be the Great Separation. “What is that?” you ask. Jesus illustrated this through a story about weeds and a wheat crop. He said that when it comes harvest time, the wheat crop will be gathered up and stored, but the weeds will be gathered up and burned. This communicates a future separating out of those who are the children of God and those who are not, those who do good for the glory of God, and those who do not. The ones who are His will be gathered to heaven, but those who are not will be cast into the eternal fiery furnace.    

This is not alarmist language, but the truth about the future. There is coming a day when the earth and all who have ever lived on it, will have an appointment with their Creator. And He will bring this about in His time and way, and it will be done in such a way where everyone will know it is God. In other words, it will not be blamed on climate change, World War III, economic collapse or a terrible disease. It will be planned and carried out by God. On that day, there will be no more mercy, but only divine revenge and judgement for all who have opposed Him.

This appointment cannot be avoided or delayed, only prepared for. Are you ready for it? Now is the day of mercy. Receive heaven’s mercy while it can be found. Jesus, the light of the world, has made a way for you. In the midst of the darkness, accept this good news. Bring this light to live within you. Accept His merciful offer by faith.  

A prayer for you – Lord God, by faith we believe the whole world and all people have a day of reckoning with you. Prepare every heart for that day. If there is a person who is unsure where they stand with you. Bring them to turn and place their faith wholly in you, their Creator. In Jesus’ name. Amen.