Sep 10

Proverbs has yet more to say regarding the issue of questioning how a good God who is love can send people to hell.

It was seen earlier that in one respect, at least, God sends no one to hell; they go there as a natural result of the desires of their heart. If they do not want God in their life on this earth, neither will they want God in their life afterwards. To go to heaven would be hell for them, because that is where God is always present. Therefore, what they want, to be "free" from the presence of God will be granted to them -- for ever.

The hell-bound rebel against God knows this, but does not want to admit it. In fact, he dreads the thought of eternity apart from God -- the very thing he craves in this life. How can a person both want and dread something at the same time? Because in this life, the wicked still enjoys the gifts of God, without having to submit to his rule over his life. But in hell, that will no longer be the case. Then, it is either/or. Either choose God's gifts and God, or lose them both.

But for the person who wants God in his life now, he will receive this desire for ever as well, in heaven. So it is that Proverbs 10:24 says it all in one sentence: "What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desires will be granted."

Scripture for today: Proverbs 10:24
Thought for today: Whether it is heaven or hell, what the heart wants is what the Lord gives.
Prayer for today: I want you, Lord, not just your good gifts. I find my pleasure in You, the giver, not just in your gifts.

SEP 10