Where Are You Headed?
The question with which this article is titled, is one that has a great deal to do with the context in which the question is asked. For example, if one is walking along the highway and another pulls up in his or her vehicle, and asks this question, they are doing so to solicit information to determine if they can be of assistance. There are many other scenarios which could be offered, but this one will suffice.
Fact is, we are all “headed” somewhere. In Genesis 37:28 after Joseph was put in a pit, rather than kill him, his brethren “sold” their brother to some folks who were “headed somewhere”. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
Even Satan has “places to go”. In Job 2:1-2 Satan even came among the sons of God, who came before God. Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 1Peter 5:8 tells us what Satan desired to do, therefore where he was headed. It also tells us what we are to do because of what Satan sought to do. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Jesus was “headed” somewhere, even when He came to Earth to do the Will of His Father and carry out His plan to provide Salvation to humanity. In the prayer of Jesus in John 17:12-14, Jesus, soon to be crucified, buried and to be resurrected said He was coming to the Father. He was praying for His apostles. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
We know where He was “headed” as Acts 1:9-11 shows, and also provides the promise of His glorious return to receive His own. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Christ had paid the price; purchased the church, and set the conditions whereby we can choose where we are headed. We are all headed somewhere! The Spirit had Solomon; son of David pen the Words found in Ecclesiastes 12:7 that show that we are all headed to the realm beyond the one on this mundane sphere. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. This does not mean that all will spend eternity with God. We are clearly taught in 2Thessalonians 2:7-9 that some will be punished forever. And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Why is there a Hell if no one is to go there?
Every soul will spend eternity somewhere. But, Luke 16:22-23 makes it clear that 1) the soul of one that dies does not go straight to Heaven or Hell. 2) Souls go to an intermediate place to await judgment. In these verses two men died. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom (Paradise) : the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell (Hades) he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. They went to a place like unto where they will spend eternity to wait until death is no longer. 1Corinthians 15:24-26 makes it clear when the end is. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Hebrews 9:27 also provides information regarding this. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: When death has ceased – The Judgment will occur.
But, where will you ultimately go? Where Are You Headed? Are you, like the rich man, going to be tormented after your death, and then be forever separated from God? Or, will you do as God Commands in His Word, be obedient to Him, and be as Lazarus – comforted from your death until you enter into heaven with all the redeemed? Where you are headed for eternity depends on what you do now. You Need Divine Direction! Obey God’s Word. Start today, before it is everlastingly too late.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
