Personal visits from
Heaven are rare in the Scripture and if you're not ready, it is
a frightening thought to behold! (cf. Genesis
18:20-21; 19:24) Pharaoh had called GOD'S bluff, and thus
Moses is dispatched one last time to pronounce this midnight
warning of imminent death. In spite of the well meaning
and good intentions of preachers designed to motivate HIS church
out of guilt to spread the gospel; nary a soul will land in Hell
out of ignorance, or some measure of remiss on our part.
That is precisely why there is no purgatory, or any other
extension classes offering remediation in the place of final
judgment over sin. Our role, like Moses, is to pronounce
that the LORD is still in the business of keeping HIS promises,
and that time is quickly running out. Pharaoh went to his
destruction with eyes wide open, and contrary to his
hunch, GOD kept HIS word and visited him just as HE had warned: "And it
came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn
in the land of Egypt ..."
Much about GOD and HIS
will for man is revealed in the Bible, though HIS timetable remains
ambiguous. The verses below reference a parable JESUS
spoke regarding another midnight visit involving salvation; and
the plight of those who would not prepare
themselves for HIS promised return.
"And
at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the BRIDEGROOM cometh;
go ye out to meet HIM." And the foolish said unto the
wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But
the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for
us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for
yourselves. And while they went to buy, the BRIDEGROOM
came; and they that were ready went in with HIM to the marriage:
and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other
virgins, saying, LORD, LORD, open to us. But HE answered
and said, verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch
therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the
SON OF MAN cometh."
In a time, known only
to HIM, JESUS will
set man and his eternity in order.
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with
corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with
the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a LAMB without blemish and
without spot:" The question you must resolve
between you and HIM is: Will HE pass through
you in judgment or pass over you in mercy? Perhaps you,
like Pharaoh, wish to gamble that HE will do neither ... but
rest assured, HE will pass; and HIS visit will be one you never
forget, regardless of its outcome.
"...when I see the blood, I will pass over you ..."