JESUS SPEAKING
“Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17: 28 – 33)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
When Jesus returns again, an event known as the rapture will occur. In an instant the faithful will be snatched up from the Earth to be with Christ. God will then pour out His wrath upon the world; ensuring the destruction of the wicked. Jesus admonishes His followers to remember Lot’s wife. As recorded in the Old Testament, she and her family were led out of the city of Sodom prior to its destruction. However, when she looked back at the wicked metropolis with affection, she was turned into a pillar of salt. When Christ returns, every believer must be prepared to abandon their worldly possessions and embrace eternal life with God.
Although there are many ways to catch a wild monkey, the Cumbuca trap used in Brazil is the most interesting. A hole is carved into a gourd, just large enough for the monkey’s empty hand to fit through; the gourd is then staked to the ground or attached to a tree. A tasty fruit is placed inside the gourd. A curious monkey will eventually shove its hand into the hole and grab the fruit. However, with a closed fist the monkey’s hand can’t fit back through the hole. All the creature needs to do to escape is to let go of the fruit it’s clutching. They are therefore captured by their love for the fruit.
In much the same way, this world is very fruitful. There are desirable things around every corner. Things that can be grabbed onto and held close; things like possessions, money, a reputation, a career, an addiction, or even a relationship. When Christ returns, those who are faithful must be prepared to let go of everything they are clutching; everything that does not have spiritual value will fade away; and those who refuse to relinquish their grip upon them, lack the affection for God needed to enter His Kingdom.
“Lord Heavenly Father, help us to be prepared for Your second coming. May we not cling tightly to the worldly possessions that can trap us and keep us from knowing genuine freedom. Give us an appetite for all things that are spiritually valuable. Strengthen us as we look forward to the arrival of Your eternal kingdom. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
