12: The children of the kingdom are, of course, the Jews. In other words, many who would be thought, as Jewish, to automatically enter eternal bliss, shall miss it altogether. The idea of weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness points out some interesting thoughts about hell. First, all who are in hell are very conscious of the fact that they are ‘outside’, outside of heaven that is. Secondly, many in hell will be quite sad that they missed heaven, eternally disappointed by the tricks of the devil they bought into in this life. Third, there will be many who ‘gnash with the teeth’, meaning that they are eternally mad at the God of heaven Who has rejected their efforts (without Christ) to enter eternal bliss. Thus, those who are there will be either forever sad, or forever mad, or both.
Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 32:1-34:31
Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:20 “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”
Daily Tidbit: Ezekiel 33:18-19 is a confirmation of a principle found elsewhere in scripture. It is better to be wicked and repent and change, and become righteous, than it is to be righteous and become wicked. To begin poorly will not prevent finishing well, but to finish poorly will erase reward from early successes.
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for explaining heaven and hell to us. Though many of us would rather not think about hell, knowing about it is infinitely better than never being warned. Though we think so little of it sometimes, being included in the plan of redemption with he Jews is a great blessing. Thank You, You are worthy of all our praise! May we be forever in awe of Your grace and love. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a man with health issues. Pray for a woman’s knee. Pray for Christians in 2013.
Personal Journal Entry #12251