Good News and Praise

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6

One recent Saturday afternoon I answered a knock at the door to find a couple young Mormon boys who introduced themselves as Elder John and Elder Samuel; that always cracks me up when a 19 year old introduces himself as an elder, especially when they are talking to someone who is clearly their elder, But I digress.

Usually I will take the time to speak with the Mormon and Jehovah witness and other assorted religious recruiters who come through the neighborhood. I try to gauge their understanding of scripture and maybe gently lead them in a different direction. But today I was in the middle of a project in the back yard, which to their credit these young missionaries quickly volunteered to help complete, and I dismissed them without a second thought and went about my chore.

A couple of days later I saw an article in the local newspaper where a young boy had been hit by a car while crossing the street on his bike against a red light. The report went on to tell how angry his parents were; that with his whole life in front of him he had been run down and that he “could have” been killed. It also reported how angry they were with the driver, who by the way stopped, called 911, and stayed to help the lad while waiting for the police to arrive.

The accompanying picture told an interesting story. The mom who was so angry was wearing one of those skull and cross, Gothic t-shirts, way too tight I might add, with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth pointing a boney finger at the driver. The concerned driver had a cross around his neck and in the background you could barely make out what appeared to be a crucifix hanging on the mirror of his car. Hummm, what’s wrong with this picture?

This instantly struck me as sadly funny, in an ironic way. I say sadly because that lady was so busy being angry at the driver when she should have been thanking God that their son was safe and scolding him for crossing against the red. I say funny because if it had not been for that driver’s belief system, things may have turned out drastically different. Maybe, and I have no way of knowing this of course, but maybe God was watching over that situation and said, “Not today my children.” Today we will have a teaching moment, so pay attention young man. This is how an adult should not act.” Maybe God, in not allowing this situation to end badly was giving that young boy one more chance to find Him.

I know this story was a roundabout way to get to my subject, “Your Salvation” but this incident weighed heavy on my mind at the time so I thought it appropriate. So how about it, are you ready to talk Salvation?

My salvation is not in jeopardy. I say that with a humble heart because I am sure I have some things to answer for when I stand before God. I made a bunch of mistakes early in my life that affected a lot of lives. I hurt a lot of people and caused my share of pain, but God has forgiven me those indiscretions. I know where I will spend eternity because my name is in the Book. My job in Heaven may be as a lowly dishwasher or picking up trash on the gold laden roads of heaven. My crown may not be jewel -laden like yours, maybe even made of copper or wood, but I will be in Heaven, warts and all.

My question “If Not Today, then When?” is directed at non believers who say “my life is good and I don’t really need a savior, besides, if God is love like you say what is the danger, I’m a good person.”

“Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16

When thinking back on the young elders that came to my door, I knew in my heart that I should have talked with them and maybe mentioned that they may not have all the information that an “elder of His church” should have. I know I don’t have all the answers, but I am pretty sure I have the foundation right. I am sure that they are not totally lost to Him; after all they are good people, just misinformed. I hope I will have another chance to speak with them about Jesus.

But what about that young boy who obviously doesn’t have a good role model or the millions of people who are just too busy and happy in their current life to make that commitment? I know we, you and I, had more than one chance. I had many before I accepted His gift.

What happens to them if Jesus comes back tonight?
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44