6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown out. They will come from east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 13:28-29 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The verses I have chosen to reflect upon today are powerful. We could spend all day unpacking the truth found within them.
Since I am looking for encouraging truths in God’s Word this year, I couldn’t help but notice what Jesus said about the kingdom of God.
First of all, the “kingdom of God” is the realm of those who have been saved by submitting themselves to Jesus’ authority. He is their King and they are His loyal subjects. Further, the “kingdom of God” is made up of Jesus-followers on earth AND in Heaven.
Second, notice the term, “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus used this phrase a few times and it always refers to those who are in Hell. “Weeping” speaks of their response to the pain (physical, emotional, relational, etc.) and “gnashing of teeth” speaks of their anger at everyone and everything.
So, what does Jesus say causes their weeping and gnashing of teeth? It’s the fact that there are people who are joyous and feasting and enjoying each other’s company in the Kingdom, something that is the polar opposite of the deep depression, torment, anger, and everything else that characterizes those in Hell.
Luke 13:28-29 (CSB): “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown out. They will come from east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God.”
Friend, Heaven never looks so good as when it is compared to Hell. Heaven is a place where those who are trusting in and submitting to King Jesus will enjoy Him and each other for ever and ever. The happiness will never dissipate.
This is the future that we look toward as we follow Jesus in this life. While things may not always go well for us, if we are a Jesus-follower, we look forward to the day when we will enjoy unbroken fellowship and unimaginable happiness in His presence forever.
Like Abraham, we are looking past life’s disappointments to our wonderful eternal home. After all, he left his home in Ur to follow God’s call and lived in tents with his wife and children as nomads the remainder of his life.
Hebrews 11:8–10 (CSB): “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
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Lord Jesus, I am looking forward to being with You one day. I can’t wait to enjoy unbroken, meaningful relationships with You and all of the others who have submitted to Your authority as their King. I’m even looking forward to the banquets at which we will feast together when my faith is turned into sight. So, I join with John as he ended his book of Revelation by saying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Matt’s Musings 