Luke 13:29-30
People will come from east and west, from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. And note this: Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.
Applying God’s Word to our lives today: Who doesn’t want to be in God’s kingdom? It’s hard to understand why anyone would turn away from the gift God freely offers. Some think, “there must be a catch; nothing truly free in this world.” Or, “I’m not sure that’s where I want to be, since there’s no fun in heaven”—as if sinning is what they see as fun. Another says, “Why would I want to be with a God who is so angry and allows all this bad stuff to happen?”
So, if these are your concerns, know that salvation from God comes through faith alone in Christ. There is nothing we bring to the table; Jesus comes to us, and He dwells in us. We can’t purchase it, and we cannot work our way in. All this is a gift from God, received by faith alone, trusting in Jesus.
How can heaven not be fun when there is nothing to cause pain or sorrow, no tears, and heaven is not boring because there is no sin? But it is filled with perfect peace, joy, and hope because of the absence of sin. What we do is done to perfection. We get to enjoy God’s banquet he has laid out for us, and nothing in heaven is tainted by any of our sins — it is all perfect.
Those who do not know God and His love feel the weight of everything they have done, along with all the guilt and shame that come with those sins. But God tells us He loved you so much that He sent His Son to die in your place on the cross, so that by believing in Jesus, you have eternal life, pointing us back to the free gift God has given you. He desires all, especially you, to be in heaven, but He does not force anyone. Anyone can reject His gift.
Let’s apply God’s Word: Jesus tells us that many people from around the world who trust in Him will join His heavenly banquet. This includes those who initially rejected God but later learned about His love or were baptized into faith; they receive His free gift of forgiveness through faith. The believers will enter God’s kingdom. The “some” who were called first are God’s chosen people who rejected Jesus; they will not be there—they are the last. So, what about you? Salvation is God’s gift for you.
Dear God, Lord and Savior,
We pray that You strengthen our faith so we never let go of the gift You have given us. Please forgive us for all our sins—thoughts, words, and actions—and grant us Your pardon for Jesus’ sake. We also pray for ________ (someone who does not know or trust in Jesus). Please help us share the truth about Your love and mercy with them. Have Your Holy Spirit soften their hearts by whatever means necessary so they are ready to hear about You and willingly receive Your gifts of love, grace, and mercy. May Your will be done in all our lives. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s will is for everyone to be with Him forever, but no one is made to go. Heaven is a gift from God that is delivered through faith, by trusting and knowing that Jesus has died and forgiven all your sins.