That was drastically incorrect.
My eyes were killing me. I couldn't stop crying - couldn't even open my eyes. I wanted something to bite down on, to grip on to, to hit.
Have you ever experienced something that put you in that much pain? Maybe an illness? A surgery? An injury? Childbirth (which I hear hurts a lot)?
Recall those moments and how you felt.
God brought to my mind that in hell there is 'weeping and gnashing of teeth.' I realized then that the intense pain that I so desired rescue from was so much less than what people are experiencing and will experience in hell.
And like the rich man in the story of Lazarus , in hell there is no reprieve. No alleviation. Continuous torment.
I can think of several proper ways to respond to these truths. What do you think?
Thank you for sharing this, Derek.
ReplyDeleteI have had a few moments of serious pain... One time it was an accident while working in construction-a nail shot through my fingers-and the other time (quite recent)-childbirth!
God used those moments (seemingly LONG moments) to remind me of the pain Christ suffered on the cross for my sins. Thinking of his sacrifice gave me a better perspective on my own pain, however I must admit it is so very hard to not dwell on my own discomfort.
I'm glad you brought up the reminder of Hell...
I hope that we, as God's children, will think more often of the hell he saved us from so that we might be more eager to share his truth with those who have yet to be known by him. How much more would I tell others of the love of Christ if I had a better understanding of Hell and an eternity of permanent separation from God?
We're thankful for God's work in your life Derek! And for the way he works through you to teach us his word!
Heather, those are some great thoughts!
ReplyDeleteAnd - a nail through your fingers? You are Jack Bauer tough.