Isaiah 24:21-22 “21 So it will happen in that day, that the Lord will punish the host of heaven on high, and the kings of the earth on earth. 22 They will be gathered together like prisoners in the dungeon, and will be confined in prison; and after many days they will be punished.”

ALL WILL BE JUDGED

 These verses are most likely referring to the judgment which was going to fall on the kings, rulers and leaders of that time.  God was not going to look the other way when those he had placed in authority had abandoned Him.  But we can also refer to these verses in reference to the end of times.  Now, I am NOT reading into the verses or taking them out of context.  I am just comparing this situation to what will happen later.

God will judge us all.  It won’t matter what position you held or what your excuse is.  God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked.  You can bank on that.  It is just so critical to understand, though, that we who walk with Christ, have nothing to fear.  Sure, we will have our good works judged before God, but our ultimate judgment has been paid for, in advance, by Christ.

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children fear judgment from us, don’t they?  Oh, I remember hearing those dreadful words from my mom, “Just wait until your father gets home.”  Man, those were dreaded words.  I would watch the clock, knowing that he would be home around 3:05 p.m. every day.  I could hear his truck coming and start to panic.

I don’t “dread” facing my heavenly Father, however. I know my debt has been paid.  It is so important that we stress that with our own children.  If they are “paid up” through Jesus, they have no fear of judgment.  They should welcome the day to see their Father in heaven.

Are you welcoming or dreading that day?  Are you walking each day with Christ as if it could be your last?  Are you following Him in order to obey Him?  The Lord God wants you to listen and obey.  He wants to bless you.

Father God, thank You for rescuing me from eternal punishment.  Thank You for sparing me the “rod” of discipline.  You are a faithful God who has promised to welcome me into Your kingdom, fully forgiven through Christ’s blood.