Al Jazeera’s Desperate Journeys shows the struggles refugees go through in their quest to find peace and prosperity. Some of the stories are disturbing and you may wonder why people would go through the uncertainties on the Mediterranean Sea to enter Europe. When reporters interviewed some of the refugees, they stressed on instabilities and hardship in their home countries as the main reasons for risking their lives on the sea. It’s sad when the new break that people are drown or missing at sea. It was estimated that over 3800 died in the Mediterranean refugees in 2016.
Why would these noble people risk everything to enter Europe?
These stories bring into mind what Peter said in 2 Peter 3:7
“And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgement, when the ungodly people will be destroyed”.
The future of the heavens and earth is foretold in the Scripture, yet people are being adamant. In the natural, fear of death propels us to seek refuge or sometime economic instability forces people to flee to different countries for better lives. And I ask; how better can a life be than spending ETERNITY with the King of Kings, and to walk on a city build with gold? Yet we pay little or no attention to the needs of the Soul and Spirit, forgetting that body will return to dust.
What plan do you have for your soul in the afterlife?
You may have insurance for your car(s), house(s), electronics, or even life assurance. These are good but how have you insured your soul?
These refugees risk everything because they believe that Europe is a better place. In the same way, Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us and when He is done, He would come back for us so that we would spend eternity with Him.
The fact that Peter said heavens and earth have been stored up for fire doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t dominate the earth. It doesn’t also mean we should live poor and allow the ungodly people to setup systems to rule us. The emphasis is on living holy and godly lives as the day approaches. You shouldn’t allow your earthly blessings (which are temporal) to hinder you from spending eternity with God. Paul told Timothy that “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7, NLT). You should strive to enter through the Narrow gate that leads to God’s Kingdom.
In 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Paul said that “But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters; The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For the world as we know it will soon pass away”.
Friend, Hell is real and every Word of God shall come to pass. Jesus said many times that
“there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”
(Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 24:51, Matthew 25:30).
Let us consider what happens and what people do where there is tsunami, hurricane, earthquake, civil war, famine, etc. During these events, people run for their lives; they leave their properties behind because what is important at that time is their lives. Nobody wants to die yet the Bible says “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, KJV).
Just as you would run to seek refuge when local authorities announce for emergency evacuation, the Bible clearly has warned us about the wrath of God that is coming upon mankind so flee from the wrath to come. (Matthew 3:7)
Consider your ways and turn to God if your have drifted away by your desires and/or sins. Be prepared to meet our Lord
Uplifting Christ 