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We live in a world where people use someone else for their own personal pleasure. When that pleasure is gone, they move on to someone else. A colleague of mine always used to nervously straighten up and apply her make-up before going home to her husband. She feared him leaving her — again — and wanted to pass his inspection. It wasn’t enough; he moved out for another woman. Have you felt that pain of rejection from a parent, friend or spouse? Do you have to hide part of who you are to be acceptable to others?
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Late one August afternoon, 75-year-old Dorothy finally got her one chance of the day to water-ski and gracefully rose out of the water on her first try while her husband Marvin steered the boat.
Only a few years later, Marvin walked very slowly with a walker or cane. Dorothy slumped her weary, medicated body in her chair, her white head bobbing sleepily while a high-pitched, rodent-repelling whining noise filled their ears.
A tragedy of old age? Hardly! Yes, it’s sad to see someone you love suffering. The Bible tells us, “The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). That’s the horrible effect of our sin and disobedience to God. But there’s more to Marvin and Dorothy’s story than that — and more to ours too. A caregiver, watching Marvin sitting day after day by his wife’s side, hearing him call her “honey,” and watching him painfully walk over to serve her every need, said, “I wish I had someone to love me like that!” Who wouldn’t crave a love that keeps on flowing our way when we have nothing to give back?
We do have someone who loves us like that!
Marvin learned to love his wife from his Saviour Jesus Christ. “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We’ve all done many acts of disobedience to God. One, just one, “little” lie deserves punishment by a righteous God who hates sin, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But God loved us when there was nothing in us to attract His love. Marvin said, not that he was living a tragedy, but that God was using his situation as part of His plan to show a love that flows from God to people like us who don’t deserve it. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Will you receive, as Marvin has, the only Saviour of sinners like yourself ?

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One evening, many years ago, before the days of radio, Captain Oldrey and the crew of his ship, the Hyacinth, were sailing toward Barbados, a tropical island on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. Before retiring for the evening, he spent a little time on deck simply admiring the beauty of the evening. He remarked to one of his crew that it was the finest weather he had seen in that climate.
The horizon was perfectly clear — not a cloud in the sky. There was nothing visible above deck to suggest that the weather might soon change.

The Warning
Going below to his cabin, the captain relaxed on his couch. A minute or two later, glancing at a barometer hanging nearby, he noticed that the mercury appeared to be falling.
Ordinarily, he wouldn’t have thought of looking at the barometer while resting. He rubbed his eyes, imagining he was deceived. Still the mercury appeared to fall. He got up and walked over to the instrument and discovered that the mercury was indeed visibly falling.
He went back on deck, but the weather was as lovely as before. Returning to his cabin, he shook the barometer, but the descent still continued. Such a rapid and unusual fall convinced him that something serious was about to happen.
Going back on deck, he told his crew of his discovery. They protested that with a sea and a sky so clear and so beautiful no storm was coming.

The Response
But Captain Oldrey firmly disagreed. The falling barometer indicated a storm, and it was his urgent duty to prepare for one. He ordered everything to be made secure, the topsails to be struck, and the deck to be cleared.
Night fell with the crew still working to make the ship gale-ready. Captain Oldrey didn’t relax until all preparation for the worst was done to his satisfaction. An hour or two elapsed, and his mind was at rest knowing that his ship was as ready as possible for whatever might come.

The Storm
Suddenly the storm struck and reached its peak almost at once. The wind blew so furiously that the sea could not rise into waves but became one vast plain of foam, on which the ship was rapidly driven before the wind. By God’s mercy, the ship and all on board survived the storm.

The Ultimate Storm
God’s Word, the Bible, is like a barometer which warns of a coming storm. That storm of God’s wrath and judgment is soon going to fall on this world.
Scoffers scoff and mockers mock! They say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:4). To them the sky is clear — there see no storm coming. They think that all will go on as it has gone on. They have no fear. They close their eyes to the knowledge of the many upheavals which this earth has already experienced. They do not recognize the witness of the flood which once overwhelmed this world. They harden their hearts, and, in their folly, they go on — deceiving others and being deceived.
But God’s barometer gives us a plain warning. Hear its solemn declaration: “Because there is wrath, beware lest He take thee away with His stroke” (Job 36:18).
Now is your time to escape. Now is your only time to prepare. Tomorrow may be too late.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God” (1 Peter 5:6).
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
“Whoso putteth His trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).

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It was Friday afternoon, and Albert Drecker was on duty at the train bridge over the Passaic River. He had opened the bridge to allow a boat to pass through, and now he was about to close it in time for the New York train to race across the bridge.
Just then Albert’s little boy Peter came running along the embankment towards him. But Peter suddenly lost his footing, slipped and plunged down the steep riverbank into the deep water below. Almost at the same instant Albert Drecker heard the whistle of the approaching train in the distance. Even though he couldn’t see the train yet, Drecker knew that unless the bridge were closed immediately, the train would hurtle over the edge and into the river. Saving Peter’s life would be easy, but if he stopped to rescue him, how many others would die in a massive train wreck? What was he to do?
Decision
In agony as he watched his son drowning before his eyes, Drecker stayed at his post. Painfully slowly the great bridge swung closed, and seconds later the train roared safely across. Instantly Drecker dived into the water and dragged Peter to shore. Heartbroken, he found it was too late — his boy was dead.
Can’t we understand the feelings of Albert Drecker? It was a terrible decision he had to make. He longed to save his son, but he could not save him and the train passengers too. While he worked frantically, he watched the desperate struggles of his drowning son. The train crossed safely. His son lost his life. How deeply thankful those passengers were when they learned how Drecker had spared their lives instead of his son’s.
Perfect Love
Now think about another story which tells about perfect love and perfect obedience. Look by faith at Christ on His cross, and see there how God gave up His own dear Son to that awful death to spare guilty sinners and offer salvation free to all. There was no other way that sinners could be saved.
Should those who deserve punishment for their sins be sent to an everlasting hell, or should God send His own Son into this world to bear this judgment for them? This is the great question. Thank God, for His love was so great “that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Albert Drecker did not send his son into the river — he fell in. But God the Father sent His Son to be our Saviour. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9).
Do you respond with deep gratitude to God for His wonderful love to you? Have you ever thanked Him for it and for the finished work of Christ on the cross? If you have never done this, why not thank Him today and receive the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour? To accept Him brings eternal salvation now; to reject Him will bring eternal judgment.
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abid­eth on him” (John 3:36).

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Many years ago, a man named Guizon lived in Marseilles, in southern France, an area now well-known for its beautiful gardens. But it was not always so. When our story begins, Marseilles suffered from the lack of a good water supply, and the surrounding area was often arid and bleak. Enter Guizon.
Guizon seemed to be always busy — always occupied in making money, both by hard work and by careful investment. His clothing was obviously old and worn. His food was the simplest and cheapest. He lived alone, denying himself the luxuries and even the comforts of ordinary life.
Guizon had a reputation in Marseilles as a miser. Though he was honest in all his dealings and faithful in performing his duties, he was generally despised. At the sight of his poorly clad figure on the street the boys would shout after him, “There goes old Skinflint!” He always continued on his way, paying no attention to the abuse directed toward him, and whenever he was spoken to, he replied in a gentle and patient manner.
Eventually, his back bent from incessant work, his hair white with age, and more than eighty years old, Guizon died.

A Surprising Will
The executors of his estate discovered that he had amassed a fortune in gold and silver. Among his papers was his will, containing this paragraph:
“I was once poor, and I observed that the people of Marseilles suffered heavily from the lack of pure water. Having no family, I have devoted my life to the saving of a sum of money sufficient to build an aqueduct to supply the poor of the city of Marseilles with pure water, so that the poorest may have a full supply.”
Consequently, between 1837 and 1848, a canal nearly 100 miles long was constructed to bring water from the Durance River to Marseilles, and the area around it has responded in prosperity and beauty.
Despised and friendless, Guizon lived and died alone in order to bring pure water to those who misunderstood and mistreated him.

A Greater Giver
There was once another Man in an eastern land who was very much more misunderstood and mistreated — the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour. About 700 years before He was born into this world, these words were written of Him:
“He is despised and rejected of man. … He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (Isaiah 53:3).
In His life and death, He fully proved this prophecy. His life was one of voluntary poverty. He had no home — “no place to lay His head.” But the feeling against this gentle and humble Man was so strong that His people actually clamored for His death, crying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him” (Luke 23:21). Restraining His power, He let Himself be treated as a criminal, He was given an unjust trial, and He was crucified. As He hung suffering on the cross, those who saw Him laughed at Him. But the Bible tells us that He was suffering there, not for His own sins, but for the sins of any who will believe on Him:
“He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
“Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Guizon’s will provided fresh water for all the poor of Marseilles. The Lord Jesus Christ, by His death and resurrection, has made it possible for each and every one of us to drink the water of eternal life, by simply believing on Him.
The self-denial of someone like Guizon does not compare with the infinite cost of the gift provided by the Lord Jesus. The water of life is flowing today and we may drink all we want and need, free of charge. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters … yea, come … without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).
Jesus said, “He that believeth on Me shall never thirst. … If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink” (John 6:35; 7:37).
“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

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Why?
“Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteous­ness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).
“Because there is wrath, beware lest He take thee away with His stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee” (Job 36:18).
“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Who?
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the un­godly” (Romans 5:6).
“I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13).

How?
“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever be­lieveth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life” (John 3:16).
“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from
all sin” (1 John 1:7).

From What?
“Flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7).
“These shall go away into everlasting pun­ishment: but the righteous into life eter­nal” (Matthew 25:46).
“Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

For What?
“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
“To wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
“There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads” (Revelation 22:3‑4).

When?
“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

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Some years ago in Russia, a man was traveling on foot through a desolate part of the country, and at dusk he found himself in a dense forest. He knew there were many wild animals roaming about and realized that his life would be in danger unless he kept a fire going all night. He’d be safe as long as he stayed beside the fire.

Searching through his pockets he found his matches—just three left. Then having gathered together a pile of dead leaves and dried wood, he took the first match from his pocket and carefully lit it. The fire began to burn a little, then smouldered, and finally went out. Very carefully, he lighted the second match, but to his dismay a sudden puff of wind blew it out as he held it. He was down to his last chance—just one match between himself and death!

THE LAST MATCH

Let’s pause! Haven’t you had opportunities to hear the gospel and be saved? Do you realize that, just as that man’s life depended on those three matches, so your eternal destiny depends on how you treat these opportunities? As you read this, you can’t tell if it’s your last chance to be saved.

How that man’s hand shook as he held the last match and struck it with the utmost care! Then carefully shielding it with his other hand, he put it to the dried leaves, and trembling he watched to see if it would burn. What relief to see the flames begin to shoot up! He knew as he stood by the fire that he was safe from the wild predators.

The traveler had three chances and he didn’t treat any of them casually. He fully intended to light his fire with the first match, he was still more anxious with the second, and he was in dead earnest with the third, knowing it was his last chance.

YOUR LAST MATCH?

How have you treated these opportunities of salvation that God has given you? The Bible says, “God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not” (Job 33:14). This traveler knew his danger and he was not thoughtless or indifferent to it. He was really concerned. How many men and women are in a more serious position than he, yet they “perceive it not.” God has spoken to them not only once or twice, but many times, and they have closed their ears and hearts, refusing to listen to His voice of love.

But God still speaks, just as He is speaking to you today, unsaved one. It may be your last opportunity. Judgment—far worse than being torn to death by wild animals—is coming. God says, “After [death] the judgment”—the lake of fire forever. How dreadfully solemn this is!

SAFETY FROM JUDGMENT

Would you like to be safe from this judgment? God has provided a way of escape for you. His own beloved Son left heaven’s glory and came down to earth that He might “give His life a ransom for many.” At Calvary’s cross, God poured out upon Him the full judgment of all who believe on Him by faith. After bearing it all, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The work of redemption was gloriously completed. And just as the traveler stood by the fire in safety, so you, as a sinner, can stand under the shelter of the blood of Christ and be safe for all eternity.

Don’t be thoughtless or indifferent. God wants to bless you. From heaven He offers you salvation. It may be your last chance.

“There is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3).

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24).