Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: HARVEST (11/21/19)
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TITLE: What I Have Reaped | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Powers
11/28/19 -
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I was standing in a long line, and the place was like nothing I'd ever seen.
It seemed as if everything was made of soft light. And, from somewhere, came the beautiful sound of a choir.
"What IS this place?" I said.
A man in front of me said what I should already have realized, “We’re in heaven!”
But... if we were in heaven .... I must be dead.
How...? I suddenly remembered a truck; coming quickly toward me, and then a loud crash...
As the line grew shorter, I saw a beautiful room. The light there was like brilliant crystal. In the center was an ornate throne - surrounded by be angels. And the One on the throne ... it was God!
I would soon see God! And on His right side..... it was Jesus!
I saw a large angel in front of the throne room. He gestured to each person. As they entered, the angel asked, “ what do you bring to the Father?”
The first man had been a pastor of a large church. He knelt and spoke of leading hundreds to faith. “ I offer it all to You, Lord,” he whispered. After he spoke, the large angel checked a book and showed it to God. I heard God say, “well done, good and faithful servant.” The pastor looked up, was covered by an immaculate white robe - and a group of angels led him to an arch-covered garden. Somewhere in the distance, I heard the choir.
I'll admit: I was a bit intimidated. I hadn't done anything as impressive as that pastor. But after all, this was God - And God offers mercy... right?
One by one, they came:
A dairy farmer, who had given milk and cheese to his community; a teacher, whose students who had gone on to touch the lives of many; a nurse, who had comforted her clients; and a mother, whose harvest was her children and grandchildren. Each had worked for God in different ways, yet to each, He said, “ well done, good and faithful servant”
The one who impressed me most was a man who - at first - couldn't bring himself to speak. But the angel encouraged him, and he told of a misspent life and innumerable crimes, including murder. He finished by saying he'd been led to salvation by the prison chaplain; a few days before his execution.
I was stunned. Surely, God wouldn't... He couldn't! But the angel checked the book; then God nodded and said, "Your belief is enough, my child. Welcome to my Kingdom." And he, too, was led into the holy garden.
I was relieved. After all, if God could forgive THAT man...
As I was ushered before Him, I felt paralyzed by His Divinity. God's eyes held the sum total of Grace and Love. I was nervous but confident.
“Lord, I've believed in You my whole life. I’ve gone to church and given my money. I was a member of several charities." I knelt and offered my all to God.
But the angel checked the book, and God shook His head. He looked at me, and although His eyes didn't lose a shred of that all-encompassing love, they also began to take on the darkness of grief.
"Oh, my child. You did speak my Name, and visited my House - but you served only your own interests. Your name is not in the Book. Please leave my sight."
Fear sliced through my heart, along with shock. "But, Lord...I was your faithful servant. Surely, if You can forgive that murderer..."
God's eyes were shut, and seemed to be shedding tears. He didn't speak, but the angel told me, "the Book cannot lie. No matter what you say, your life tells another story. You haven't reaped the fruits of heaven, but the fires of hell."
Then I saw another arch. It opened to a portal as full of darkness as the other had been full of light. Instead of a choir, I heard only a chorus of heartrending screams.
But I was surely better than that murderer! I had worked, I had given... I had called myself by His Name....how could my life's work had come to ... THAT???
But my realization and condemnation slowly grew, and I screamed in grief and terror as they led me away from His throne.
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Matthew 7:21 NIV "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Galatians 6:7 NIV "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
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