Yikes

"It shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom." Luke 10:12

More tolerable? Could it be? Could it be that the unbeliever, in their spiritual darkness, find judgment day more tolerable than me? Yes, if I fail to seize my day of grace and salvation.

Why?

Because...

My understanding vastly outshines theirs. They stumble through a dim-lit dusk, while I bask in the full splendor of God's mid-day Light. They hear deceptive voices and obey, while I incline my ear to the firm and faithful word of grace and truth. What are the enigmatic utterances of today's wisdom, the whispering leaves of man-grown oaks, or the footprints of the mighty of the earth, compared to the glory of God in the face of Christ?

My liberty is immeasurably greater. I enjoy the blessings of pulpits and Lord's Days, the Scriptures and family altars, the Divine Psalter, a spiritually wholesome atmosphere, and a supportive, loving church. All calculated to catch my soul in a net of divine love and grace. These are mine, while so many go without. I am many times more blessed than the most advanced among them.

My person is more enriched than theirs. A godly upbringing, education, and environment have accomplished much for me. Broadening my horizon, enlightening my understanding, and enlarging my tent. Yet, they only serve to underline my essential need for my Savior. For what makes me differ from those who are without Christ? Nothing.

My Savior, then, is markedly closer to me than them. He indeed yearns over all His lost and perishing sheep, I being one. But how can they believe on Him of whom they have not heard? I - I have been sent on a quest. I am to be a missionary of the Cross. I have perhaps matured under His wing, and His voice has echoed in my streets. Yet I have proclaimed Him with a stammering tongue. I have been His unprofitable servant. I have flecks of blood upon my hands. But perhaps, even though my heart often remains shut and sealed against Him, I may have accomplished mighty deeds in His name.

I fear the beating of the few stripes and the lesser judgment.

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

And so to return to our question, yes, the unbeliever, in their ignorance, may find the day of reckoning more tolerable than me, should I falter in my day of grace.

But may this sobering thought not lead me to paralysis, but propel me to service. May I not rest upon the unmerited gifts of truth and understanding, but dive deep into the rivulets of divine grace, embracing the ennobling task that lies before me, amplifying the clarion call of salvation to lost sinners. Oh, how I long to shed the stammering tongue, erase the flecks of guilt from my heart, and surrender the complacency that wraps round me like a fog. Let the mercy and tenderness of my Savior soften and melt my heart, for it is in His light that I find strength, purpose, and redemption.

Then, at last, may I bow before Him, not as an unprofitable servant but as a little harvester of His grace, brimming with gospel sheaves. Lord, make me a missionary of Thy Cross and Crown. Lord, help me to finish well.