In our reading today Luke recounts many examples of the last days of the earth and when the Christ will return. Jesus warns the people to be on guard. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." Luke 12:4-5

 

This kind of talk makes people uncomfortable. A Barna statistic from 2003 says that 71% of people believe there is a hell, this is lower than those who believe there is a heaven. It seems heaven is easier to stomach than hell. 

 

Billy Graham had an expression when preaching hell. “No one should ever preach on the topic of hell without a tear in his eye.”  

 

Jesus did not enjoy preaching hell. He hated hell, eternal torment and separation from him, and he hated that the religious leaders in Jerusalem and many others were rejecting their Savior. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Luke 13:34.

 

Let’s keep sharing Jesus’ love and grace, that’s what Jesus wants the world to know. When we are in Jesus we are already in a sense... in heaven. The promise is sure to you today and will become a visible reality in the future. 

 

So now what? God doesn't give us this extra time to be in a holding pattern until his return, but to preach his grace and love to those who have not been yet gathered under his wing.