Saturday, December 22, 2012

Mayan Deadline - Many Roads to Jesus ?


I used my cell phone GPS navigator to get from the hotel to my business meeting last month.
There were at least three possible GPS routes. One took roads through some farm land and another through a suburban town. The third crossed over between the two.

I chose the farm land GPS route because I wanted to avoid stop lights and traffic. My colleague was frustrated.  He went through town and said there were more turns and traffic going his way. But he arrived. Some of our co-workers took a shuttle bus and didn't care which route their driver was taking, they were indifferent.
So we all took multiple routes and ended up at the same place.

However,  arriving at the meeting place did not mean "entering the meeting."
There were lots of cars in the parking lot of the meeting place, but at the front door they asked for your company ID. This ID affirmed that you had previously understood and accepted our company guidelines.
Anybody could arrive and park, but there was only one acceptable way to enter.
Nobody said anything bad or intolerant of those choosing to park outside, but they remained separated for the duration.

People tell me there are "many routes to God."
They consider belief in Jesus as nothing more or less than GPS Route #3 on their cell phone.
I don't think they've thought it all the way through.

We're all going to arrive at the same place eventually.  Death.
But that's nothing more than the parking lot outside heaven. An Almighty God can still ask for your ID.
The Bible explains that ID to be "Believer in Jesus as Savior". [John 14:6, Acts 4:12; Matthew 25]
Plenty of people in the parking lot....Believers in Jesus attend the meeting, according to the Bible.

You could just as easily claim that the ID will be Believer in Islam. Or, Believer in Tao. Believer in Vishnu, etc.
Or....All ID's welcome, of any kind. (Believer of nothing in particular).

It's our choice, and free will to do so.  But you are making (not choosing is choosing) a Spiritual decision.  When The Day comes, most people don't want to be in a parking lot somewhere, wishing they could go inside.

There was a burst of web site activity this week at peacewithgod.net   One person after another joined the web chat stream asking, "Is the world going to end on Dec. 22?" because they had heard of the Mayan calendar ending.  Some people I chatted with were sincerely frightened and seeking spiritual answers. They wanted immediate insight - for themselves, and some for their kids.

"How can I know....for SURE?"  they asked me.    Jesus.    There is no waffling on that in the bible. Believe on the name of Jesus, and so be saved (Romans 10:13)  from whatever end comes to your life, or to the world.
With the 21st of December, 2012 looming...many were eager to learn about Jesus. Today, on the 22nd, that sense of urgency will have diminished, but the choice is no less stark. Christianity's answer is the same as it was yesterday - Jesus loves you, and is ready to welcome you!  (Revelation 3:20)

In the meantime, I'm really enjoying this route with the country roads...winding through fields of mercy, past groves of forgiveness and Grace. The breeze of Blessed assurance. It's not just the destination, its the journey that is also rich with blessings.  When I finally do arrive, I can't wait to go in and meet Jesus.

I believe in Jesus.   What do you believe?

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