Heaven’s Best Math Lesson
Well, now, gracious sakes alive, friend, look at you wanderin’ on up like a curious lil’ ol’ raccoon sniffin’ around a fresh apple pie cooling on the windowsill. Come on through this gate and settle yourself right up here on this here front porch in one of them good chairs because what we’re about to chew on is as juicy as a sugar cane stalk from out in the back field. I was out there earlier this mornin’ checkin’ on things and cut it off the stalk. Now, I was watchin’ a long‑legged turkey earlier, too, tryin’ to outrun his own shadow. He flapped, strutted, and nearly tripped over a stump, but he kept right on goin’ like he had someplace real important that he plum needed to be goin’. And I thought, “Goodness, if that feathery fowl fella can keep on movin’ with that much determination, surely we humans can git to leanin’ into the truth of Romans 5:1-2, where Paul says, “We have peace with God and stand in a place of undeserved privilege because of Jesus Christ.” That there notion settled in my heart like the big ol’ hush that falls over a pasture when the sun first peeks up in the mornin’.
Now, look here, friend, the arithmetic of the gospel is somethin’ else. Think about it. Born once, die twice? Born twice, die once? Nicodemus scratched his scholarly head and asked Jesus, “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” (John 3:4). Jesus was talkin’ about spiritual birth, the kind that plum changes everything from the inside out.
Just like there are two births, Scripture teaches there are two deaths. The first one is physical death. The second one is spiritual death, and Jesus warned us to fear that one most. Revelation 20:14 says, “The lake of fire is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 lists those who choose rebellion over redemption, and their fate is that same fiery lake. Thomas Watson said, “Eternity for the godly is a day with no sunset, and eternity for the wicked is a night with no sunrise.”
Jesus Himself spoke plainly about Hell in Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:29, and Matthew 10:28. But friend, the good news is that Heaven is plum wide open to every sinner who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul could say with joy that we stand in a place of undeserved privilege and look forward to sharing God’s glory (Romans 5:1-2).
Your eternal destination is plum all your choice. And somebody in your circle of relationships needs to hear that hope, too.
Father, thank You for the peace that comes through Jesus. Help me to be sharin’ Your truth with courage and compassion. Give me eyes to see who needs Your message today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Friend, let me be handin’ you this here last truth the way a wise old barn owl settles onto a fence post, real steady like and full of purpose. Eternity just ain’t no foggy idea. It’s the forever home God has already prepared for those who choose Him. Your life here is about as short as a firefly’s blink, but your eternity stretches farther than a big ol’ Texas horizon. So, while you’re in this life, walk wisely, speak boldly, and be rememberin’ that Heaven’s door swings wide open for every single heart that says “Yes,” to Jesus.
With joy,
Gwen
