04/06/2023 - TEREBINTH OF TEARS

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Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the terebinth tree. So the name of it was called Allon Bachuth. Genesis 35.8

It was a sad day when Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, as she was cherished by all the family she helped to raise. Life is like that. One day we will leave this world, and people will shed farewell tears, praising God. It comforts us to know that our death is precious in the sight of the Lord, that it is the destiny of all (Psalm 116.15). It will be good if we have made successors, so that the work will continue for years to come in an undefiled and holy way.

Allon-Bachuth means Terebinth of Tears, where the body of the beloved nurse came to fulfill the destiny that the bodies of the saints will have: to be buried and to wait for the day when Jesus will say, “Resurrect!” Just as Lazarus heard the Master’s voice inside the tomb, we will also hear it and join those who have died in faith. Nothing will prevent us from resurrecting at the triumphant return of our Redeemer. Those who persevere will see it happen!

It breaks our hearts to remember many precious people who fell prey to the devil’s deceptions and turned away from God. Some did so because of their sins; others because of the deceitfulness of riches, the cares of life, or ambition. Why did they do these things, or even worse things, if their names were in the Book of Life? Why abandon the Spring of Living Waters and lose their salvation?

The apostle Jude wrote: but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh (Jude 1.23). It is sad to know that many will be lost to the point of not being accepted to ascend to Heaven when Jesus returns, being commanded to go to the lake of brimstone and fire. When you are at your Bethel, ask for help to rescue the lost and believe!

Those who stand firm to the end will be placed at the Master’s right hand and will hear His voice, telling them that they are blessed of the Father to enter the Kingdom prepared for them from the beginning of everything, as we read in Matthew 25.34: Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Strive to be saved, and not be eternally lost! Why pass up such an opportunity, exchanging eternal happiness for a “plate” of sin and rotten meat? Those who persevere in doing good will be rewarded with the Creator’s good and final decision. They will inherit the best that is available to the Lord’s faithful and holy ones – the Kingdom of God. This will be their address forever.

Answer right now: are you prepared for this day? Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, was not mentioned in the Bible as someone who did miraculous things, but as someone who knew how to serve God by fulfilling the mission she had received from the Most High.

You don’t need to have a great ministry in the eyes of men to be welcomed into Heaven. Your life should be a reflection of Christ’s love. By doing what He has commanded you, you too will receive the reward.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares