Boarding

Ravi Zacharias went to be with The Lord today. Yesterday, knowing he was ill and near death, I posted on social media how much I appreciated his ministry. I likened the idea of believers leaving this old world behind to go on to 'glory' as an airport setting. I expressed that we're all there with tickets and boarding passes waiting for our flight to be called, and we rejoice in the fact that brother Ravi had a plane to catch. It seemed an apropos analogy, but like most analogies I use, I thought about it long afterwards.
' I want to clarify the analogy and anchor it in Scripture.

Most of us have airport stories: Fumbling through airport security and rushing to make flights in haste and trying to reach the correct gate before its too late. And thinking about it more deeply, we're all looking to "go" somewhere. We know that this life is temporary and we hope to travel on to a better eternity, much better than even the best of what we experience here.

Here's The Word:

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The Bible tells us that not everyone will go to the Paradise in The Bible. Many attempt to secure their own travel plans. Like any airport, there are multiple gates but only one leads to the way everlasting. It is therefore supremely important to ensure that you have the right right arrangements.

Life is busy, like an airport. Many other gates have such seemingly interesting destinations. They're all advertised as someplace "good" and they impress an influence on us. Visiting family, business trips, opportunities to vacation in exotic places or sporting events, concerts and all kinds of entertainment.

So the real question is what the ticket counter attendant would propose: Where are you traveling to today? Are you going where most people are going, or few? If anyone other than Jesus is your destination then you have many gates to choose from. However, if your choice is Jesus, there's one gate.

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

In closing, no one stays here forever. Everyone of us will eventually leave on a flight to somewhere. I encourage you, check your flight information. I was trying to be clever in the pic by picking gate H7. The H stands for Heaven, and 7 is the number of perfection. Any other gate is much wider and may have an appealing destination and a large crowd, but its the wrong gate.

Eventually, everyone's flight is called to board, just like Ravi Zacharias. When you look at his life and ministry, it looks very apparent that he dedicated his life to enter in at the strait gate. Just like him and many before him,I pray that we would not only look to the Bible and these good examples, but to also become beacons who've chosen and inspire others to choose Gate H7, destination Paradise as well.

2 Peter 1:10-12 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.


In Him,
Cros

Accountable

It's time we take seriously, this thought of account,
Our Father, in Heaven gives us all an amount.
He watches and waits. He knows our ability.
One day, He’ll settle up with our accountability.

While our Master is away, His orders stand firm.
To manage well our portion, until He returns.
He desires increase on what He’s entrusted.
Presented pristinely, not weathered and rusted.

No respect for the slothful, distracted or fearful.
Encountering these accounts; results will be tearful.
And who then is to blame? Aspire to excel.
He’s still a loving Father, not hoping we'd fail.

His pleasure is not simply in simple satisfaction.
He rewards the diligent and thoughtful in action.
He doesn’t bestow rewards based on an average.
He’ll bless abundantly, if we faithfully manage.

We must remain careful, anticipating His return.
Our efforts are proved, or either their burned.
The slothful and wicked, consumed by concerns
Will be cast out forever, receiving what they earned.

Look at what you’ve been given, inventory your gifts.
Realize they’re from His Hand, that weighs and sifts.
He knows what you’re capable of, His reward is sure.
He even gives us the help we need to endure.

Be honest with your list, don't excuse your selections.
Give serious attention to afflictions and affections.
Pray and ask for help, The Lord faithfully leads.
Remember, His pleasure is our purpose, indeed.

Humbly submit to the idea, He’s invested in you.
Manage things well. Return to Him, His due.
Looking forward with Joy. Dedicated and fervent.
He'll say “Well done, thy good and faithful servant”.

Here's The Word:

Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:29 - 30 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

In Him,
Cros