My 5 Acres

 

The Parable of Joe

 

Joe had always considered himself a decent man. He worked a steady job, treated his neighbors with respect, and occasionally helped out at the community food bank. But deep down, Joe always felt a sense of emptiness—a nagging feeling that something essential was missing in his life.

One Sunday, while driving past a small church, Joe noticed a sign that read, "Come as you are: God loves you." Something about the message stirred his heart, and he decided to attend the service that morning. The sermon was fiery and passionate, delivered by a preacher who spoke about the importance of salvation and the love of Jesus. As the preacher concluded, he invited anyone who wanted to receive Christ to raise their hand and repeat the sinner’s prayer.

Joe felt a lump in his throat and a strange pull on his heart. With trembling hands, he raised his arm and repeated the words after the preacher, asking Jesus into his life. The congregation erupted into applause, and the preacher congratulated those who had made the decision, assuring them of their place in heaven.

From that day on, Joe considered himself a Christian. He stopped cussing as much, made it a point to attend church every Sunday, and even joined the men’s breakfast group. On the outside, Joe looked like a man who had it all together. But inwardly, not much had changed. Joe still pursued his own desires above all else. He rarely prayed or read his Bible, and his faith remained a Sunday ritual rather than a daily relationship. He told himself that he was doing enough by going to church and trying to be a good person.

Years passed, and Joe grew older. His life was comfortable but shallow. He avoided the deeper calls to discipleship—the kind that required surrendering his will to God. He didn’t see the need to change much about his lifestyle, reasoning that God was merciful and would overlook the areas he hadn’t surrendered.

One day, Joe’s life came to an end. He stood before the throne of God, awe-struck and trembling. The scene was more glorious and overwhelming than he could have ever imagined. As he stood there, the Lord looked upon him with eyes that pierced his soul.

“Lord,” Joe began, his voice shaky but hopeful, “I’m so glad to be here. I’ve been waiting for this day. I went to church; I said the prayer… I’m ready to enter heaven.”

The Lord’s gaze did not waver. His voice was firm yet sorrowful as He said, “Joe, you said the words, but your heart was far from Me. You never truly died to yourself. You never surrendered your life or followed Me. You called Me Lord, but you didn’t do the will of My Father.”

Joe’s heart sank. He tried to protest. “But, Lord, I quit cussing! I go to church every Sunday! I even joined the men’s group! Doesn’t that count for something?”

The Lord shook His head. “You performed outward actions, but you never truly knew Me. You never sought My presence or allowed Me to transform your heart. Your faith was empty, a checklist of rituals rather than a living relationship. Depart from Me, for I never knew you.”

Tears streamed down Joe’s face as the weight of those words sank in. He had spent his life believing he was saved, yet he had missed the essence of what it meant to follow Christ: dying to self, serving God with all his heart, and living a life transformed by grace.

As the gates of heaven faded from view, Joe realized the tragic truth. He had been so close, yet so far. He had heard the call but had not answered it with his whole heart. And now, it was too late.

This story serves as a solemn reminder that faith is not just about words or rituals. True faith requires a surrendered heart, a transformed life, and an abiding relationship with the Savior. Let those who have ears to hear take heed and seek the Lord while He may be found.