Scary:
Clowns. Freddy Krueger. Credit card debt. Oddly shaped moles.

Uncomfortable:
Transgender restrooms. Political discussions and commercials. Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Comforting:
Homemade chicken potpie. Warm socks. A mother’s hug.

I guess I’m weird. I have no other explanation for seeing a bible verse on a wrestling singlet and letting my mind mull it over and over and over again. The singlet was pretty cool. The words “Every knee shall bow” were emblazoned across the front in some wild design. (Just a side note generalization – wrestlers are not typically known for their humility or their use and memorization of bible verses) But, regardless of the desired effect on this kids’ wrestling opponents, it had a surprising effect on me.

The prophet Isaiah got the word out in the Old Testament and then Paul reminds us again, twice in the New Testament that “…For we will all stand before God’s judgement seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live’, says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” (Romans 2:10-11)

Frankly, the verse kind of scares me. It’s a frightening feeling to think that someday I will stand before God’s throne – just the visual image from Sunday School days still sends chills up my spine. While I like to pat myself on the back for good deeds, praying for others and regularly tithing…..there is a heck of a lot that I’ve done and said for which I am NOT proud. Those sins that I commit every single day are ARE going to be judged. And it scares the begezzers out of me!

And if I’m perfectly honest – it also makes me a little uncomfortable. We are all going to be judged. When we stand before the throne I will be no different than an ax murderer, or a preacher, or a drug dealer, or Mother Theresa – we are all the same in God’s eyes. We are all humans. We all sin. Sins do not have categories or ranking systems. They are quite simply sins. Knowing that I’ll be standing in line to confess, awaiting my turn – just like everyone else – makes me – well…. uncomfortable.

And yet, oddly, I guess it’s really kind of comforting as well. It’s assuring to know that in this age of unrest, turmoil and chaos that one day……one day every tongue will acknowledge God. Not just believers. Not just Americans. Not just whites, blacks or purples…..but everyone – will accept the one true God. Just envision it – every single knee kneeling in obedience, in respect, in submission to authority. And every single tongue shouting praise and glory to God. Oh! What a glorious day it will be!

Scary – yes.
Uncomfortable – yes.
Comforting – double yes.