Between my wife and me, we have only one parent left, my mother. I remember so well the passing of the other three. In July of 2005, my unbelievably healthy father in law went to the hospital to confirm that he was in the midst of a serious stroke. From that day forward, he could not walk or lift his right arm, his face was mostly paralyzed on one side, and his speech was almost unintelligible. This dear saint, had celebrated over 50 years in the ministry. He was scheduled to preach in a couple of days for an “Anniversary Sunday” at a church in North Carolina, but after that fateful day, this and many other events would unfold without him. His life was permanently altered, his stride permanently diminished. A year later, he died.
As a pastor, I had heard of numerous illnesses and accidents that had changed lives forever, but it was even more sobering when it was so “close to home.” As I reminisce, I am reminded of the words of the poet… “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Did you ever stop to think of what life will be like when someday you are not able to stop to think? The day of opportunity will eventually end for all of us. At any time, we could find ourselves at death’s door, or lying on beds of affliction in total dependence on others for the most basic and personal needs.
The Bible also warns of this coming end of opportunity. The apostle John recorded the words of Christ, “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).” Wise old King Solomon observed, “Whatsoever 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. (Ecclesiastes 9:10).”
Time is running out! If you have not made reservations for your eternal home in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ, …behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2Corinthians 6:2). If you are a believer and have wasted the stuff of life on frivolous pursuits, “Redeem the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16).”