Eternal Seperation 10.09.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Matthew, please read Chapters 21-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
If the link does not work you can cut & paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021%20-%2022&version=9

Today we will read about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem; Jesus cleansing the Temple; the fig tree; and parables about taxes, the greatest commandment, and eternal darkness.

On the first day of the week, preceeding Jesus' crucifixion he has a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, "And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:8-11).

He walked into the Temple and got rid of all the people buying and selling things there, "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." (21:12-13).

The high priests were outraged at His actions and sent out a mission to interrupt Him as He was teaching. "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." (21:24-27).

They were referring to Jesus accepting all the praise that the people had given Him as the Messiah and also questioning His authority to dismiss the money changers in the Temple. It was for these reasons that they conspired to have Him killed. The Temple belonged to God, who was in the midst of it as Jesus was cleansing it. This illustrates that Christ alone brings cleansing into our lives through His blood that was shed to atone for our sins.

Jesus spoke many parables, one of which He explained the eternal seperation from God, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come........So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen." (22:2-3,10-14). This parable exposes those who assume that because they do good things they are good enough to get to heaven without Jesus, many are called to accept Him, but few will. The Apostle Paul said, "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16)

Eternal seperation from God is final and very terrifying, that is why Jesus says more about the horrifying torments of hell as a lake of fire than all the writers in the New Testament combined. There is one and only one way to avoid eternal seperation and that is by accepting the Lord, Jesus Christ as Savior.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We don’t always know where our present steps will take us on life’s journey, but we do know they lead us to heaven as we walk with You. Our steps here may lead to cold, dark mountains or deep valleys, but ultimately we will rest where the steps of Jesus end at heaven’s throne. We will no longer have questions about our future, for we know that we will spend eternity forever worshiping You as we give You glory, honor, praise, and thanksgiving. Give us peace and joy for our journey here below and heavenward anticipation for our future inheritance. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful day and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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