The Wall
“So he measured the area on all four sides. It had a wall around it, five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits wide, to separate the holy from the common.”
Today’s Text: Ezekiel 42:1-20 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
Some people accuse God of being religiously “exclusive.” Because, you know,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
— John 14:6
In fact, some people get really angry about God’s apparent “exclusiveness.” And sure, I can understand why some people would be concerned or bothered by it. But when people get angry, more than anything, I think it reveals some baggage in their lives that has yet to be opened up and put in order.
But still, I get it. Because in a diverse society like ours, we come across Muslims or Hindus or Buddhists or even atheists who genuinely seem to be good people. Some of them may even become our friends. And so the belief that genuinely good people who do not believe in Jesus are going to hell is concerning, for sure! For some, not merely concerning, but supremely offensive!
And so, as a “normal” person with a normal kind of concern for the well being of all people, as well as their inalienable right to believe whatever it is that they want to believe, I truly wish that God would just save everyone—except for all the truly bad, nasty, evil people in this world. God can send all those nasty people straight to hell and let them suffer the worst possible suffering imaginable for all eternity.
I mean, the word of God says,
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
— 1 John 2:2
Jesus died for everyone, so why not let everyone into heaven—except for all those mean, nasty, evil people who have delighted in hurting me (Psalm 109).
…
In my life, whom have I wished would fail? Have I rejoiced when someone I dislike has encountered misfortune or pain? Whom have I delighted in hurting with my own words or actions, either directly or indirectly?
There is a great, great wall—a chasm really—that no human being can cross. And that chasm separates the holy from the common. But Christ has bridged that chasm through His sacrifice of atonement on the cross. And everyone is invited to the cross of Christ, and through faith in Him to cross that chasm into the arms of our holy God. No “exclusiveness” there.
The bottom line is this, really: Will I trust in the word of God, or will I put my trust in my own infinite knowledge of how this world works and what humanity really, really needs?
Of course, some people will ask: Why does the Bible have exclusive rights to the truth? And that is exactly the right question.
Father, You are merciful and kind. I confess that I need Your mercy and kindness. I would have no hope without them. Thank You for calling me and saving me. Cleanse me with Your word and by Your Spirit. And let me bear witness to Your love, mercy, grace, and kindness for the world to see that You are God and You are alive in me. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
