Life or death

Luke 20

17 But Jesus looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written : 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone'?

18 "Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces ; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust."

I'm reminded of the first two stones that Man rejected: the ten commandments written by "the finger of God". The first set that God gave him, Moses smashed when he saw the Israelites committing idolatry. The second set, presented to the repentant Israelites, were preserved -- although now lost forever, as far as we know.

These commandments written on stone were mean to preserve life; broken, they cost life -- souls shatter slowly to pieces as they break these commands. Later, Jesus comes -- the chief cornerstone, the one who would fulfill all the commandments, and who would exemplify them, not break them. He lived a wholesome, sinless life, a perfect life, so that death had no hold on Him. Mission accomplished -- to die on the cross to pay for all our sins -- He ascended to Heaven and now awaits a time when He would come again.

The chief cornerstone, the one who embodies the two slabs of stone that were given to the Israelites, and ultimately to the world was, like the first two stones, continually rejected up to now. Acceptance of Him and loving obedience to what He taught would bring life, and life in abundance. Rejection of Him and all he stands for meant a slow shattering of soul, and ultimately, a hell of never-ending brokenness, despair, dissatisfaction, regret -- the list goes on and on.

(Anti-Christ cults teach a systematic breaking of the ten commandments as an initiation rite -- the powers of darkness know that this would result in systematic shattering of the integrity of the spirit-soul-body which gives them greater and greater access to the person's soul, to wreak further havoc in the person's life and those around him/her. Other cults teach a breaking of one or two commandments, but that one or two is deadly enough already to create a big divide within the soul that allows access to the powers of darkness. But it's not only the cults. Society teaches the breaking of commandments as normal and even "hip" and "cool". That's why it's not just enough to call yourself a Christian, you need to know the true Jesus Christ Himself and follow Him, else you'll be led down a very precipitous path.)

Jesus wanted reconciliation; Man, however, has the freedom to reject or accept Him. Many reject Him, and continue to do so to their own peril.

Jesus has said that Narrow is the way, and few find it. He knew right from the start. He knew.

For those of us who are Christ-followers, who truly know Him (there are many who know only ABOUT Him -- to their own peril), our call is to watch and pray, and reach out in love to those who desperately need Him and are open to our hand of help.

If you're reading this and you want to know the Lord Jesus Christ -- pray the following prayer, and mean it:

"Dear Jesus, if you are who you say you are -- the Saviour of the World, Lord of Lords and King of Kings -- please show yourself real to me. I want to know the Truth about who You are. Amen." Note the day and time of your prayer, and watch what happens next.