Extra Ordinary | Trevor Behrns’ Blog

It’s mid November and it feels like the hottest it’s been all year.   The heat has helped fuel the devastating fires that have ripped through Southern California.  Over the weekend, the ominous smoke was so high and so thick – it blanketed the sky and blocked out the sun.  Even today, with the constant, lingering smell of smoke and fluttering remnants of ash littering the ground, there is a constant reminder that the fire is still raging.

Then, I found out yesterday that this week was scheduled for a major air conditioning repair in Calvary’s Worship Center.  Normally, mid November would be a perfectly planned time to pull off this type of repair.  With the unusual heat, the fact that there will be zero chilled water available to cool the offices during the day has greatly raised my appreciation for the modern-day wonder of AC.   This is because, while I am blessed to have a great office with a big window – that window faces South and by 10:30 this morning my office was unbearable.  I wound up working from home in the afternoon.

Tonight, Leslie and I headed to the gym around 8pm.  It’s usually not crowded this time of night.  With all of the heat and smoke still in the air, many people who may normally be out jogging were all in the gym.  It was packed with people trying to stay out of the heat and protect their lungs from the smoke.

All of this got me thinking about Hell. Luke 16:19-31 gives us a little insight into what the life after this will hold and how the decisions we make now affect our eternity.  In the Bible, Hell is described as a place of darkness, fire, separation and torment.    The good news is God has offered a way to stay out of the heat.   It’s not through the relief of air conditioning, it’s not through the shift of an off-shore breeze, it’s not even through the courageous efforts of fire fighters.  It is through believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, making Him the Lord of our life, that our sins are forgiven and our relationship with God is restored.   I am so thankful that God has provided us such an accessible escape route.