“. . .behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now, is the Day of Salvation.”
II Corinthians 6:2b
If there was ever a time to do what God says, it’s “Now.”
Why do we live such lives of good intentions and procrastinating, putting off until tomorrow the things that ought to be done today? Have we forgotten our lives “are as a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-15)? Or, do we not think “Boast not yourself of tomorrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1) applies to us?
Today’s Manna is a sobering reminder of the reality of the present moment.
Not this afternoon. Not tonight. Not tomorrow or next week.
“NOW is the accepted time. NOW is the Day of Salvation.”
How many there are who, like Felix, say “Go Your way for now; so more convenient season I’ll call on You” (Acts 24:25) when the Spirit’s moving. And, then they wonder why they don’t feel Him as close anymore.
Dear Pilgrim, we have no guarantees on tomorrow. We have no assurance the Savior will again “pass by this way” even as He did that day in Jericho (Lk. 18:37). That’s why Bartimaeus cried out and kept on crying in spite of the crowd’s strong words of rebuke (v.39). He knew it was his “Day of Hope”—yea, his “Day of Salvation”—and he could ill-afford to let it pass him by.
So often, in proud presumption, we point to God’s Grace and somehow think He owes us a favor or two. Somehow we suppose we’ll live to a ripe, old age and have plenty of time to make things right later on.
But, as the song of years ago said, “Tomorrow never comes.”
It’s now or never. Today only. You must come to Him today if you would hear His Voice and feel His tender touch (Heb. 3:7; Mt. 20:34).
That’s why you should surrender to Christ TODAY; otherwise there may never be another opportunity.
What do you need to let go of today, Pilgrim, that’s become a “stronghold of sin” and keeping Him from being Lord in your life? Repent NOW and begin tearing it down (II Cor. 10:3-5). Whom do you know. . .that loved one, neighbor or friend. . .who’s lost and on his/her road to a devil’s hell and you’ve been putting off talking to them about their eternal destiny? Delay no longer; go to them today and plead with them “as a dying man to dying men” and “as one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”
The hour is late—but not too late.
Procrastinate no longer. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and then guide you as you do what you know you need to do. That way you’ll have no regrets if today should be the Day the Master calls you Home or that loved one into eternity. Go on. Do it NOW.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated October 31, 2009
