JUST ten minutes to twelve, as the clock on the mantle shows and the oldest sister is peeling Potatoes and another rolling out the pie crust. We know they cannot have dinner ready by 12 o’clock.
It is good to see them all so industrious and apparently so willing, but there is one thing which is so common, and that is, being behind time. That is a bad habit to get into. You find some who will be late just five or ten minutes for a meeting or Sunday-school, and that not occasionally but regularly. It is the same thing about getting to their work, or school, or indeed, whatever they have to do. They get into the habit of being behind time about everything.
Again, we find some who make it a point to be on time for everything in connection with this life, and yet, the. all important thing for them to be on time for, is neglected, and that is the salvation of their souls.
The word of God tells us, “BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2). They will keep putting that off for a future time. May you, dear reader, not do so, for again the Scripture says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”—Prov. 27:11Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1).
While Writing these lines we received a telegram that our brother, A. H. Rule, a very dear servant of God—the writer of the New Testament Scripture articles for “Messages of Love,” was called to be with the Lord suddenly. He had risen, no doubt, in usual health that morning, but his time for this earth was over before the sun set that day. In his case it was “absent from the body” and “present with the Lord,” for he had come to Jesus in the “accepted time” and had served Him faithfully for many years. But how would it be with you, dear reader, if you were called away at this time. Perhaps your last day on earth has come; are you saved? Dear reader, do not put off that important question, thinking you have plenty of time. God says, “Behold, NOW is the accepted time.” If you put off this present NOW, you may never have another opportunity. Be on time with this important matter. Come to the Lord Jesus now as your own Saviour, and He will save you and then you will seek to be on time with everything else.
ML 07/29/1906