In or Out? | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: In or Out? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Julene Celander
06/01/14
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In or Out?

“Where do you suppose we are, Mabel?”
“I don’t know Clare, but it sure isn’t home! Do you see anyone you know milling around with the rest of the crowd?”
“There may not be anyone we know here, Mabel. And how did we get here?”
“The last thing I remember was a flash of light and strange trumpet music. And by the way, Clare, have you seen yourself lately?”
“Well no. Why? Is there something wrong with the way I look, Mabel? You don’t look quite like you used to look either.”
“Oh, look! There is Pastor Bob. He certainly doesn’t look like I remember him either. He looks so refreshed and the bags under his eyes are gone!”
“Don’t get so excited, Clare! It may not be him. Maybe it is his son or a cousin who looks like him.”
“I tell you it IS him. Don’t you see the resemblance? Of course, the finger he was missing on his right hand is not missing anymore. Something very strange is going on here and we need to find out what it is!”

As Clare and Mabel circled the crowd looking for anyone else they might recognize, they were disappointed to find only six people they knew. Neither of their husbands seemed to be there and they didn’t understand why. They found Mabel’s youngest son and Clare’s oldest daughter and her daughter. Their good friends Margie and Harold and Susie were there, but they had not seen one other soul they knew.

At that moment a trumpet blasted and everyone’s eyes turned to see a figure coming toward them with what looked like a library section full of books. The figure took His seat on a huge jewel encased throne and He began by opening the first book. As He did, angels escorted everyone into seats behind Him and were instructed to listen very carefully to each person spoken to, because the man on the throne would need their imput.

“Oh my,” exclaimed Mabel. “Have you ever felt so inundated with responsibility in your life; it is a heavy weight having to give testimony against people.”
But Clare wasn’t sure she could do it and asked Mabel, “But didn’t pastor always tell us not to judge? Now it is okay? I sure do wish I knew what was happening!”

The first person stepped up to the throne and dropped to his knees and bowed before “The Man”. “Name?” asked the man.
“King of Kings and Lord of Lords, it is I, Judas. You were once a friend and we traveled together.”
“Ah, yes. And you betrayed Me for thirty pieces of silver! Was it worth the price, Judas? I think not. Away with you, for I do not know you!”
“But, Jesus, you DO know me. I was at your side for three years!”
“Well, then, let’s let them decide your fate. Okay, jury, vote…is he on or off of our island paradise?”
With one resounding word the crowd behind Jesus exclaimed, “OFF!”
“I agree whole heartedly my fellow brothers and sisters. Away with you, Judas, for I never knew you!”

Clare wholeheartedly understood now. It was as clear as the stream running behind them. She and Mabel had been whisked away to Heaven by angels and they had met their Lord, Jesus. It was the Great White Throne Judgment and people were either being rewarded for being good and faithful servants or sentenced to a lifetime in Hell.

“I sure didn’t think so many of our friends wouldn’t be here for this. They all thought they would be here because they went to church regularly.”
“Pastor warned them all, Clare. He told them that baptism, good works, or money won’t get you to Heaven. Only accepting Jesus into your heart will do that. Faith in Jesus gets you Eternal Life.”
“How many times did we tell our husbands what the pastor preached on, Mabel? Gee, I sure do wish they had listened.”
“There is nothing we can do now except enjoy what we lived our earthly lives for, Clare. We are here to worship and praise God. I just hope my pile has more gems than straw. I would hate to see most of my life go up in smoke.”

Then their husbands stood before Jesus. Many people faced the person who tried to tell them the good news about Jesus. All were rejected…just as they had rejected Jesus. Will you be voted off the island?

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