Have you ever waited until the last minute to do something; like buy a Christmas present? Did you think that you had all the time in the world and when you went to buy the present there were no more of that item left in the store? There are some who must think this way about spiritual matters as well.
Felix may have had this same idea when he said, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25). Jesus may have been teaching the opportunity to obey is before time is up in the parable of the ten virgins. The five foolish virgins thought that they had plenty of time to do what was needed to prepare for the wedding before the bride groom came (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus concluded this parable by saying, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13). Peter also wrote that time is going to be up and that now is the time to prepare! Read what Peter said through inspiration, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:3-7). The question is now are we waiting until the last minute to obey God or to do something for Him?
Paul said, “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the day of salvation.) [Underling is for emphasis.] If we are going to work with Him we need to be working while it is day. Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). The question had already be asked and answered about the work of God: “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:28-29). We must obey God while we have the chance; there may come a time when it is too late.
To do something for God is also something that is to be done now. John recorded what Jesus said, “Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any may hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:20-21).
Let us resolve to obey God now if we have not done so. The time is coming when it will be too late. The world may end at any time or a person’s life may end at any time so obey God in baptism at the first opportunity you have. Then do something for the Lord while there is time. Sharing the love of God with others is something that you can do! Telling others of the grace and mercy of God is something you can do. Taking care of your family is something you can do for God (I Timothy 5:8). Never let it be said of you that you were too late to do things. Never let it be said of you that you put things off until the last minute. Do it now!
Love, Keith
