I'm resisting the urge to send it into kingdom come.
Normally a spider so close to me would suffer a quick and sure death. Especially one making its way down the wall in front of me as I write this blog.
Yet I find myself sparing its life (so far, anyway) while pondering the question, “Why is it okay for spiders to be outside, but not inside?”
The answer is obvious: Most of us don’t relish having insects invading the place where we eat and sleep. I mean, that’s just gross and unthinkable. Outside, okay, as long as they don’t bother me. But here in the house? Forget about it. That’s what insecticide is for.
And that got me thinking about the fact that our holy and sinless God allows sinners to walk this earth (for awhile, anyway). But when it comes to getting into heaven someday—into His “house”—well, that’s not going to happen.
You see, all of humanity has a problem.
"There is no one righteous, not even one.”1
And yet God, in His mercy and grace, will welcome some sinners into His house someday. Provided, of course, they’re repentant sinners. Provided we admit, in humility, that we’re guilty and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. Then and only then will we be welcomed with open arms into God’s own house, heaven itself.
Will spiders ever be welcome in my house? No way. (In fact, full disclosure: I’m going to squash that sucker on the wall as soon as I’m finished here.)
But you know what? I sure am glad the Lord doesn’t feel the same way about me. I’m glad He's provided a way for me to someday gain entrance into His house.
I don’t deserve it, but it’s going to happen. How about you?
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”2
1 Romans 3:10
2 1 Peter 1:3-5
