[289 words]
About a year ago, Jerald received a birthday card from a dear friend. Inside the card was a gift card to a popular eating establishment. The restaurant wasn’t one that Jerald frequented often, and it was located on the other side of town. He took the gift card and placed it on the refrigerator with a magnetized clip so that he would not forget about it. Every time he saw the gift card, he would say to himself, “I’m gonna have to use that card before it’s too late.” However, Jerald continued to procrastinate, never taking advantage of the free meal, and the gift remained unclaimed.
Our Awesome God has offered the free gift of salvation to each and every person in the world. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” (Titus 2:11) Many of our family, friends, and neighbors have heard and know the gospel but have not obeyed it. Just as Jerald’s gift card, salvation is right there in plain sight and within a hand’s reach, yet they will not reach out and grab hold of God’s grace, (Eph. 2:8) and put off obedience to a later or more convenient time. (Acts 24:25) Gospel obedience is an urgent matter and we should do our best to encourage others to accept God’s gift or else they will experience His fiery vengeance “on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thes. 1:8).
As we sing the old song, “Why do you wait dear brother? Why do you tarry so long? Why not come to Him now?” Let us pray for those who have yet to claim God’s indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
Jay Launius
Maud Church of Christ
Maud, TX