November 26 – Do it now!

“Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” - Ecc. 9:10

The sun was already up and the day promised to be bright. Sitting on the edge of the plain the city in the early light looked magnificent. A lake stretched between the hills on the Northside, mirroring in it's waters the mountains fronting the Eastern side. Workers were leaving the city to work in the vineyards and fields, and shepherds were leading the flocks up the hills to find grazing....a scene of perfect tranquility....no portents of impending doom in the sky....no earth tremours, but despite this, life in the cities of the Plain was materialistic, characterised by luxury, idleness, gluttony and drunkeness – in Sodom and Gomorrah violence, crime, and sexual perversion was rife. It is no surprise that eventually the hour of doom struck and the Plain became a plain of desolation – all because of sin and procrastination.

Sadly, as in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, the temptations dangled before our young people are much the same. In many cases procrastination is by far and away the hardest to overcome.

James was in the prime of life – just completed a 1^st degree in medicine and had been assigned to work in a district hospital. James had proposed to his girl-friend, and the future looked bright with opportunity. James attended his local church and was having studies with the minister, but came up with excuse after excuse whenever the subject of fixing a definite date for his baptism was raised. The problem was, his girl-friend had little time for religion. James was playing for time – marry first, get baptised second – he felt that once married there would be no danger of her leaving him. James promised the minister that, as soon as possible after the wedding, he would make his commitment.

The day of the wedding drew near and James set off, head in the clouds, to drive home after finalising the arrangements. Rounding a bend a tyre blew out causing a fatal accident....James was killed. The only son of a widowed mother....bright prospects....about to commit to marriage – but not to Christ.

The attitude of James reflects that of Felix when the Apostle Paul reasoned with him about the judgement to come. Felix replied “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you.”

At one time civilisation changed slowly, but today it seems to be in over-drive. Days and years fly by. Satan is reving up his deception that there is plenty of time. Not so, Christ is on the doorstep.

Many hear the appeals and are persuaded they should accept, but instead they laugh it off – put off their decision until another day. Every excuse is put forward – 'It will interfere with my reputation, my lifestyle. If I accept I'll lose my job, and my partner and friends will definitely walk!'

Are we ready? What about our children, family, our friends? Today may be the last day we have to choose – there's no time for fence sitting.

Today's music - “I Have Returned” - (LIVE). Click on the picture.