Eternal View (Part 2)

READ: ACTS 16:16-34; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:11-6:10

"On the outside, we may waste away, but in our hearts and minds, the King renews us. These troubles that we face are but a whisper compared to eternity.” Jamar’s eyes shone with conviction as he spoke, and the Chosen around him let the words of truth wash the weariness from their hearts. “One day, all of these hardships will be dispelled in the light of the King’s eternal glory.”

There was a sudden rumble of rock falling, and a dark form appeared from around the corner. Bella gasped and Ani squeezed her hand so tight she lost the feeling in her fingers. An Inflictor stood before them, glaring at the group seated on the stone floor. Before any of them could say a word, he dropped to his knees. “I have been blind. Please, help me to see the light.”

Several of the Chosen rushed to kneel beside him. Jamar looked into the man’s eyes and said, “The King welcomes all who believe in Him. He won’t count your sins against you. The evil one you serve wants to keep you in bondage—he wants your eyes to remain veiled to the truth. Come to the King, the only One who can forgive you and make you a new creation!”

“Is it true, what I have heard you say, that the Prince sacrificed Himself to save us all? The King allowed this?” The man’s eyes shone with hope and disbelief.

Bella smiled wide and sat beside him. “Yes,” she answered softly. “The Prince gave His life for us—it was the King’s plan all along. Death could not hold Him— the Prince is alive! The King’s glory is displayed in the face of His Son, who has made His light shine on us!”

The man lifted his face upward and cried, “Today is the day of my salvation! I choose to follow the King!”

As the group rejoiced around him, Bella imagined the joyous shouts of all the Chosen who had gone before, rising before the throne of the King. • Savannah Coleman

• While we wait for the hope of Christ’s return and the resurrection, we have been commissioned to bring God’s truth to this world. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to share the good news. Pray for opportunities and courage to talk about the gospel. Also ask God to prepare the way for conversations with non-Christians.

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)