Only a Step

From: Echoes of Grace: 2003

• 1 min. read • grade level: 8

“There is but a step between me and death” (1 Sam. 20:3³And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. (1 Samuel 20:3)). So said David to his friend Jonathan when King Saul was seeking to kill him. It was easy for him to realize his danger in the circumstances.

Sometimes we can see and know that there is “only a step” between us and death. Stand at the brink of Niagara Falls. One step more, and death will be quick-and sure-and horrible.

Or climb over the guard rail at the Grand Canyon for a little better view or a different camera angle, and it is easy to see death “only a step” away. Perhaps not even that much, if the crumbling rock falls! Then, six seconds to the canyon floor, and-? Most of us aren’t about to take such risks.

But suppose that we “watch our step,” guard our health and never take chances. We may live to be a hundred years old and receive a birthday greeting from the President. There is still only a step between us and death-only a breath, only a heartbeat between us and eternity.

But if there is only a step between you and death, there is-thank God!-a Savior at hand, a Savior who is willing to save and able to save and who has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37³⁷All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)).

Only a step to Jesus!

Then why not take it now?

Come, and your sin confessing,

To Him, your Savior, bow.

Only a step to Jesus!

A step from sin to grace-

What has your heart decided?

The moments fly apace.

Only a step to Jesus!

Oh, why not come and say,

“Gladly to Thee, my Savior,

I give myself today?”