“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV)

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(Author's note: A month ago, I wrote a devo that portrayed a courtroom-type scene in the format of a vignette, a short play. Today's devo expands that vignette with added scenes. Though it's not necessary, the previous devo can be read here: https://www.acfak.org/devo-message/matthew-5-43-46b)

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A Vignette, prequel and postscript...

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The setting: One side of a brilliant white wall. All around is white with no distinctions. The wall is unmarked except for a closed door with no discernible handle. Two chairs, also white, face the door. Sitting in one of the chairs is a man of about 40, dressed in a flannel shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. Sitting in the other chair is a woman of about 70, dressed in yoga pants, a cotton t-shirt, and tennis shoes.

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The curtain rises.

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After a period of quiet, the man and the woman begin looking left and right, up and down. They clearly are trying to discern their surroundings, but there's not much to see. They do notice each other, but no words are spoken. Then, they both notice the door.

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Eventually, the man breaks the silence. “I wonder where that goes.”

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(The woman) “I don't know.”

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(The man) “Of course you don't. Why should you know. I'm not even sure where I am or why I'm here. Last I knew I was working at my job site. This is a complete waste of my time. It figures. Another injustice done to me in the hardship called my life.”

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(The woman) “Hardship?”

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(The man) “Yeah, I said hardship. Are you hard of hearing? My wife left me and turned my kids against me. She knows that other woman meant nothing to me. As if that wasn't enough, my neighbor flaunts his wealth in my face.”

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(The woman) “How so?”

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(The man) “Well, he's never really done anything, but I don't give him the chance. He knows I can't afford what he has, big house and a nice truck. Oh, how I'd love it if we switched places, and I could shove his smugness right down his throat. But where do you get off questioning me? I suppose you have a perfect life and think you're better than me.”

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(The woman) “No I don't. And I'm ashamed to admit there were times in my life that, like you, I wanted my own justice or revenge. There were times I didn't forgive, but then I felt more miserable. If not for the grace of our Lo...”

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Just then the door opens. Beams of bright white light emanate through the opening. The brightness of the light obscures the room past the door. The man mumbles something about seeing what it is that's wasting his time, then jumps up and walks arrogantly through the door. The door shuts, leaving the woman alone, sitting in her chair.

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After a period of stunned silence, the woman starts to pray, “Father, I'm frightened. I don't know where I am or what's through that door. Lord, it's your grace that saved me so long ago. Be with m...”

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Again, the door opens. The beams of light are blinding, but standing in the door, the woman can discern the man. His face is downtrodden and ashen white. His arms hang limp from drooped shoulders. Beside the man an angel gently directs the man through the door and past the woman. The door closes and not a sound is heard except the muffled sobs of the man. Led by the angel, the man slowly shuffles by.

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The woman watches them pass until they disappear from sight. “Father, I now realize this is my judgment day. Oh Lord, have mer...”

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The door opens, blinding the woman with beams of light. The woman stands and starts walking towards the door, but before she can enter, another man appears in the door and walks towards the woman. He's hard to discern, but as he gets closer, the woman can see that he's dressed radiantly in white. His countenance radiates love, his eyes welcoming and peaceful. Under one arm is a thick white book. The man raises his other arm and stops the woman from passing through the door. In a deep but kind voice He says,

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“Do not be afraid my daughter, for your name is in this Book of Life (Rev. 20:15). Because you believed in me, my victory over death is now your victory (2 Cor. 5:21). You are a child of God and therefore an heir (Rom. 8:17). In my Father's house there are many rooms. Let me show you the one I have prepared for you (Jn. 14:2). Come, rest in me forever and ever.”

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The curtain lowers as Jesus and the woman turn and walk together.

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:9-10).

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The “rest” the writer of Hebrews refers to is an eternal rest only attainable through salvation. And salvation is only attainable through belief in Jesus' victory over death through His resurrection (Jn. 11:25). Like the woman in this story, do you know Him yet?

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If so, rejoice in the good news of your salvation, for it is rest you crave and rest you shall receive. Celebrate this truth today with a friend, spouse, family member, or through prayer.

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If not, rejoice that you are receiving this message of good news today. You too will be saved if you earnestly believe and invite Jesus Christ into your heart (Rom. 10:9-10). Come to church and tell an usher you'd like to pray with someone. Please come and receive His rest.

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“Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” (Psalm 66:20)

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Amen, come Lord Jesus.