Behold, I stand at the door and knock...

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." -Revelation 3:19-20

Who Can Save You?

A man falls into deep quicksand. Although he is strong, unbelievably agile, uncompromisingly rational, and is guided by his “good” intentions, none of these things serve him in this serious situation. He is found lacking, and there is neither branch nor root to grab a hold of, so that he can pull himself out. He was traveling with companions, but because of the distance found between him and his companions, nothing can be done immediately. Nothing can be used on site, and no one can reach him. He is slowly slipping into the deep abyss of murky sands, and unforgivable suffocation waits for this soul of a man.


His companions flee, seeking for help. They leave him alone.


As this man begins to panic, and cry out for help, Buddha walks by the pool of sand, and compassionately looks at the man. “I am sorry for your condition, and I know your intense desire to free yourself from this visible prison. But since neither you, nor I, can free you from the visible, allow me to speak to you words of wisdom that will indeed free you from your invisible prison. Free your mind of this fear… do not be mindful of your present situation, but instead focus on your breath… and control it. Then, as your mind begins to settle on the ground-state of your being, and moves from transitory thoughts to solidity, allow yourself to pass into the essence of truth, and be one with what is not seen. It is at this point you shall free from your present suffering, for suffering is only in the mind”, speaks Buddha to the man. After he spoke these words, he left.


Another man comes by; although the meaning of “man” is loose here. Indeed, it is one of the deities found within the Hindu scriptures. He speaks to the drowning man, “Ah, child of evil karma, and fool who does not notice his own nature! How do you stay panicking, not knowing that this life is nothing more then a dream within a thousand million dreams? This life will pass, but you will return. However, it is quit apparent that your karma speaks of necessary balance, and thus you are being repaid what you gave out on this plan of existence, and countless others. Listen to me now! Let this happen without struggle, and embrace your destiny. Put your mind at ease, and meditate on celestial wisdom! It is in this, and only in this, that you will possibly return back a higher being then you are now. Be quick, and free yourself!” He then vanishes into the meta-world, beyond the vision of this poor man. Now the sands reach his chest… and the man sighs and weeps, for his ending is near.


Alas, another man comes by him and speaks. “Ah, peace be unto you! It is a sad thing to see such a fate as yours, poor man. How could I help you in such a situation? I cannot! This is obviously the will of Allah, and such a thing could never be thwarted. Allah, in his infinite wisdom and power, apparently thought it right for you to end your existence in such a way. If I were to even attempt to help, I would be indeed going against the all compassionate one; I would be moving against Allah’s will! I am sorry.” Mohamed then walked around the pool of quick sand and made his way on. The sands are moving quickly pass his chest and up to his neck. He became silent with fear, and began to realize that the air he draws into his lounges might very well be his last.


But just as these thoughts streamed pass his mind, Moses comes along side the pool and said, “The Lord my God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the true and living God, has commanded me to love my brother as well as the stranger. In fulfilling the law that is given to me and all my brethren, those others that are the children of Jacob, sons and daughters of Israel, I will say to you, ‘I love you’ and act accordingly. However, because of the vast distance that lies between you and me, I can in no way reach out to you. But My God is able, and nothing is too hard for him! Thus says the Lord, ‘Wait on Me, and I will deliver you. I have raised up a prophet, who is a Hebrew, a brother according the flesh of Moses, and all the Israelites. Listen to Him! He is my Son.’” Moses then departed. At this point the man is almost submerged in the quick sand. He takes his last breath, closes his eyes, and slowly begins to accept his condition.


A man then rushes along side the pool out of nowhere. He looks more average then the previous 4 men that came along side this pool of death, and has no special clothing nor features. “I am your life…” this average man spoke.…He then throws himself in the sands and begins to leverage himself with the man, allowing the man to come back up for some air. He then settles the man on his shoulders, allowing him to reach out to the edge of the pool. The man steps on his shoulders, and even his head, so he can get out safely. And he does. He is free, but costs the “average” man his life. The name of the one who sacrificed himself for that man: Jesus.


All religions tell you to work your way up to heaven, and to earn your entrance into the presence of God. But this is impossible. He is Holy, and we can never earn our way in. How can a vile creature like you and I make our presence among a Holy God? Indeed, He is merciful and compassionate, yet He cannot fellowship with those who are defiled by sin, and naked in our own afflictions.


He is a Holy and Just God. How can this gap be bridged. It was bridged by the cross.


A Holy God died for our sins, paying the penalty of sin (which is death)! What grace! What love! What mercy!

Who can save you?He can. He did!


Except His love, and put your trust in Him.


Come.

Taste freedom.

-Joseph