Letters Written on Our Hearts

I woke up thinking back today on a movie that came out in the early 70’s that depicted what it would be like when Christ comes back for His believers. Although some mock The Thief in the Night as overly dramatic, I felt it was gripping and biblically sound.

 I remember the first scene when a wife goes into the bathroom after rising and seeing her husband’s razor in the sink with no sign of him. Another showed a car that was wrecked with no driver in sight.

Then there were those who had been left behind in the rapture. Some had a head knowledge about God but had rejected Him or put off deciding to follow Jesus Christ, pursuing the things of this world instead.

One of the songs from the movie was I Wish We’d All Been Ready.

Why did I wake up thinking about I Wish We’d All Been Ready? I’m pretty sure it has to do with all those people who died last week in Hawaii. One minute these people were enjoying “paradise”, the next minute they were fleeing for their lives as their town was engulfed in wind, smoke and fire. Many did not make it. Will those people be in the real paradise? The real heaven?

I have three close girlfriends who went to Hawaii two weeks ago for a much-awaited girl’s trip with three other friends. They rented a condo in Lahaina and began to enjoy the beautiful scenery and times of much needed R&R. Then the unthinkable happened as hurricane force winds hit and fires broke out. Fortunately, they were dressed and ready with car keys in hand as they headed outside to see the fire and smoke coming closer. Although not told to evacuate, they decided to just get in the car and go, leaving all behind. They were able to drive to the safety of a friend’s house and later learned that a short time after they left, the condo and all their belongings burned to the ground.

I couldn’t help but think, “but what if they hadn’t made it out in time?” The two things I know about that is that these Godly women were dressed and ready-spiritually speaking- to meet their Lord if it had been their time. These are women who love the Lord with all their heart and constantly pray for and meet the practical needs of others. They were ready. The other thing I know is that God wasn’t finished with them yet.

The other day when vacationing in California, my son John face timed me, and my youngest grandson’s sweet smiling face stared back at me. My grandson wanted me to say bedtime prayers with him. My heart melted when this most adorable 4-year-old said, “Nana, Jesus died on the cross”, making a cross with his chubby little fingers. Then, he paused and said thoughtfully, “why did he do that anyway?”

The answer, which his parents and brothers and grandparents will keep telling him (on his preschool level) is that Jesus died on the cross to take our sins on Himself so that we could be forgiven. Free of shame, free of guilt, eternal life in heaven and hearts white as snow! The Bible puts it this way:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.”

Rev. 3:20 (NASB).

If there is anybody who is reading this who hasn’t quite decided on accepting Jesus Christ, I just want to say I don’t want any of you to be left behind! More importantly, God doesn’t want you to be left behind either.

“….God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”

1 Timothy 2: 3(b) and 4 (NASB)

“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks”

Luke 12:35-36 (NASB). Notice the verse says to immediately open the door.

My question to you: is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart today? And if He is, are you ready to immediately open the door to Him?

A prayer of salvation!

or

Just believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and you will be saved.