Just a Thought: Those who listen to the Lord are those who believe and obey. Those who reject His message and continue on a course of disobedience will one day face Him as their judge, which is their destiny. This is the message of Peter to His readers. “They stumble because they disobey the message — which is also what they were destined for.” (1 Peter 2:8) A sensitivity to God’s word which results in belief and obedience is what leads us to a personal knowledge and relationship with Christ. This personal knowledge and relationship grants us great benefits! He guides our daily path. He meets our daily needs. He gives us daily grace and strength to meet every challenge. He protects us from the evil one. He steers us away from temptation. He deals with our enemies. The list could go on and on. And those who don’t listen, those who reject His message stumble and fall. They do not have or enjoy any of the afore mentioned benefits. They are REALLY missing out! When we don’t follow directions, we become lost. And all who will not listen to the direction of the Lord are the lost Jesus came seeking to save. I recall when our son was very young, we were on a vacation trip. The sidewalk was icy and I cautioned him to hold my hand and watch where he stepped. But he insisted he could do it on his own. Then suddenly boom! Down the little guy went. And, yes, it hurt (even though he tried to act like it didn’t). Listen, God has and is preparing a perfect destiny for all who will be sensitive to His word. That place is called heaven, where we will spend eternity with Him. (Jn. 14:1-3) His desire is to guide us to Him now, so we can live with Him here and there forever, enjoying all His benefits. But, for those who will not listen. For those who want to do it on their own. Their destiny is to stumble and fall. Their destine to meet the Lord too. But those who listen and believe will meet Him as He welcomes us home. And those who don’t will meet Him as judge who will condemn them into eternal separation. Peter sets this up as a clear distinction between the two and a clear choice. Those who listen to the Lord are those who believe and obey. Those who reject His message and continue on a course of disobedience will one day face Him as their judge, which is their destiny. Why would ANYONE choose to not be sensitive to the word of the Lord today? Lord, thank You for Your word. Thank You for its direction to me and its benefits! I love You Lord and am truly grateful be able to walk and talk with You daily. I pray this will be the case for all those who read this today. May they come to love You and Your word like I do. In Jesus name amen.
