In 2013 a man by the name of Odin Lloyd was shot and killed. New England Patriots’ tight end, Aaron Hernandez, was charged with the murder. Wednesday, the jury’s final decision was released. He was found guilty of 1st-degree murder, and various other charges. Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
A video of Hernandez’s reaction to his sentencing was released to the internet. It revealed a man full of professional caliber athleticism weakening to the point of being unable to stand. One can only imagine the regret, disappointment, and sorrow coursing through his thoughts at the moment the jury read “guilty.” At only 25 years of age, Hernandez has many years ahead of him. The rest of his years will be spent behind bars with other criminals, rather than in happiness or success.
Hernandez’s reaction to his sentencing vaguely depicts the scene that all will witness at the end of time. “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). At that time, there will be some who rejoice and are exceedingly glad, but there will be far more who will feel the opposite. For God “will render to each one according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6). Our deeds in the flesh will determine our eternal-life sentencing. This outweighs Hernandez’s sentencing for his physical life. He trembled at the thought of spending life in prison. However, eternal life in hell will be much worse.
It is good to know “the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation” (2 Peter 3:15). The day of the Lord is coming, but it is not yet here. Hernandez, along with everyone else, has the opportunity to repent and turn to God. Unlike Hernandez’s situation, all can have a confidence of their eternal dwelling before the judgment day arrives. God has guaranteed this by giving us the standard of our judgment – “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:47). There will be no jury to convince, for “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). He has revealed to us, “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8).
In the words of Tillit S. Teddlie, “Someday you’ll stand at the bar on high, someday your record you’ll see; someday you’ll answer the question of life, what will your answer be? Sadly you’ll stand, if you’re unprepared, trembling you’ll fall on your knee; facing the sentence of life or of death, what will that sentence be? Now is the time to prepare, my friend, make your soul spotless and free; washed in the blood of the crucified One, He will your answer be. Where will you spend your eternity?”