On Wednesday 14th June 2017, the whole nation and the world at large woke up to the news of a tower block of public housing flats in North West London, on fire. This unfortunately finally resulted in a high number of casualties and fatalities. Not to mention the building itself.
As questions were being asked, possible reasons for the fire being discussed and analysed, radio and TV stations brought in experts to give analysis. Some politicians tried to score points, people were angry left and right, and accusing fingers pointed.
The streets of London were suddenly filled with sympathisers bringing in donations, food, clothes, toiletries, you name it. At some point many bringing in their donations were turned back due to the sheer volume of what was being received, and not enough space to store them...
Sadness overwhelmed me. I could not bear to look at the charred building or get myself to speak about the dead or causalities. Questions began to flood through my mind about what happened. How could this have happened, why did God not reveal this to us? I remember praying that it should rain. If only it rained it could help the fire fighters put out the fire – no, it did not rain. This was London experiencing a third disaster in the space of three months.
People began to ask questions, how could this have happened? Why did a good God allow such a thing to happen? Anger, frustration, sadness and pain filled London, and the United Kingdom. During that time this scripture in Luke 13:1-5 (AMPLIFIED VERSION) flashed through my mind:
“Just at that time some people came who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate [the governor] had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus replied to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they have suffered in this way? I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish. Or do you assume that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed were worse sinners than all the others who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.”
What happened to those at Grenfell Tower could have happened to anyone whether saved or unsaved. The Jews in the story we have just read were expecting a reaction from Jesus, at least sympathy or a condemnation of the action by Pilate. Jesus rather than condemn or be moved by their emotions, asked them to look at their own lives and reevaluate.
The throwing of stones, demonstrating on the streets, insulting the Prime Minister, castigation of politicians by politicians, or casting of blames would never bring back the dead or restore the losses. We will all die someday but in the meantime, where will we spend eternity is the big question?
The Bible talks about three types of death, let’s examine them:
The first is the spiritual death caused by sin. Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death. It was never God’s intention that anyone dies, but the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden brought about death, both spiritually and physically. Their sin separated us from God. Romans 5:12-14
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned — (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.”
Jesus came to rescue us from this death, spiritual death and reconciled us to God. Are you reconciled to God by being born again, or are you spiritually dead, completely disconnected to, and without relationship a living with God?
The second death is the natural/physical death which occurs when this mortal body loses the breath of God, the spirit that gives it life. From the moment we are born, we begin to die. Cells are dying throughout our lifetime on this earth. A process that ultimately leads to the physical death of an individual. The good news is that those who are righteous will be resurrected to everlasting life, and the bad news is that those who are wicked will be resurrected for the judgment and the "Second Death”.
Every one of us will die physically one day. Every single one of us without exception. Where will we go? Where will we spend eternity, in heaven or in hell?
The third and final type of death is the second death. This is the final death spoken by John the beloved in the book of Revelation. This is the death that everyone who has not been regenerated by accepting Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour will go through.
This is very interesting because John the beloved speaks of this death 4 times. He gives a clear indication of what the second death entails, and those who will experience this death.
1. The second death has no power over the resurrected
Revelation 20:6, “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
2. Overcomers shall not be hurt by the second death.
Revelation 2:11, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
3. Anyone not found written in the Book of Life.
Revelation 20:14, “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
4. The cowardly, the murderers, the sexually immoral
Revelation 21:7-8, “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
As much as the church is gradually departing from this type of teaching, we have a duty to remind ourselves of eternity. Jesus’ focus even in the midst of that disaster related to Him, was the spiritual state of the people.
Where will you spend eternity? If you don’t have a relationship with God today, come to Him and surrender your life completely to your maker through His Son Jesus Christ. If you are believer in Christ, re-evaluate your walk with God and get your life in order.
The other question is where would your family, neighbour, friend, colleague, spend eternity? Do all within your means to point them to Christ if you are a believer.
