FRIDAY October 12, 2018
Divine Judgment
“ ‘But any of your men whom I do not cut off from My altar shall consume your eyes and grieve your heart. And all the descendants of your house shall die in the flower of their age. Now this shall be a sign to you that will come upon your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day
they shall die, both of them.’ ”
1 Samuel 2:33-34
The man of God who came to Eli proclaimed God’s judgment on his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They had willfully chosen to sin against God. Eli could not fight against God’s decision. They would die––sad.
Understand, God is love, 1 John 4:8, but God is also just, Psalm 19:9. God, in His great love sent His son to die for our sins. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). However, we also see the penalty and divine judgment on those who reject His way of salvation: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
God in His love and grace gives sinners every opportunity to accept or reject Him during their lifetime. God will pursue our souls to save us. King David knew he could not run away from God’s presence. He expressed his thoughts openly in Psalm 139:7-10:
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Even though God loves us tremendously, we all have the freedom of choice. We must make a decision; once we die it is too late. Hebrews 9:27 tells us: And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. Are you running away from God or towards Him?
He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge
the world in righteousness…
~Psalm 9:7-8~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!