'SHALLOW QUESTION, DEEP ANSWER'
(by: Pastor James Scarborough, Donalsonville Assembly of God)

There might be a shortage of some things around our house, but questions are not on that list. With two granddaughters growing rapidly and observing their surroundings carefully, Papa has countless opportunities to share his wisdom. The other day Mallory fired a question at her Nana, to which Gale told her that "Papa would explain it to her later." That satisfied Mallory for the time being; she has not asked again, and I have not reminded her of her unanswered question.

During the earthly ministry of Christ, He was asked a wide variety of questions. Some of them were asked with sincerity and desire to know more about the things of God while others were asked in an attempt to try to trick Him into giving an answer that would destroy His divine credibility. He was never trapped, and His answers were always filled with authority and wisdom.

In Luke 13:23 the Bible records that "Someone asked Him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?'" (NIV). On the surface it sounds like a question with a quick yes or no answer, but the Master gave a deep and heart searching response. Perhaps the one asking the question was trying to trap Christ, or maybe he was simply seeking for information, but what he got instead was a reply that brought him face to face with his own relationship with God.

The Lord's answer to a seemingly simple question included a depiction of time. Verses 25-27 illustrate that a time is coming when the opportunity to prepare for eternity will end. No amount of pleading or making claim to good deeds will gain access to Heaven--it will be too late, all opportunities will have been exhausted. That should raise the question in our hearts and minds: Am I taking advantage of the time and opportunity that I have right now to turn my life over to God?

Christ's answer included a reminder that all will reach the end of life and all will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell. For those who failed to make proper preparation for eternity a sad outcome awaits: "But He will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from Me, all you evildoers!'" (verse 27). But for those who have faithfully followed the Lord, a glorious time is ahead: "People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the Kingdom of God" (verse 29). Now is a good time to ask self a question: Which group will I be in, and where will I spend eternity?

His answer included a glimpse of the makeup of Heaven. Verse 29 mentions that people from all directions will be present in God's Kingdom. How repulsive this must have been to those pious Jewish people who depended upon their ancestral attachment to Abraham to guarantee them a place in Heaven! And now the Teacher was saying that Gentiles would be alongside them in Heaven! But then perhaps this raises a question for us today: Are there people groups that we have a hard time thinking of spending eternity in Heaven with because of their race, nationality, social or economic status?

The question that was asked of Christ in the beginning of this discourse appeared simple, but His answer was deep and pointed straight at the heart of those listening. Would you allow His response to speak to your heart about being prepared to meet Him? The real question is not how many will be ready for that day, but are you ready? If not, get prepared right now--surrender your heart to Jesus Christ while there is time.