In June of 1955, my husband and I packed up our 1950 Chevy and started out from Portland for Kinzua, a rich logging community in central Oregon. We were planning to have vacation Bible schools for the children living in several logging camps. We’d been given our directions: follow the Columbia River Road to Arlington, turn south to Fossil, then east to Kinzua.
By noon we’d left the pasture lands of Arlington and were heading deeper and deeper into the desert. Finally we arrived at Fossil, a town as dead as its name. Everything was dry, dusty and dreary. We stopped to recheck our map. Yes, it really did show we were only eight miles from Kinzua, but there was not a tree worth cutting anywhere to be seen.
Sometimes those of us who are Christians don’t realize how close we are to heaven. We could be there today — out of this sin-cursed world and with our blessed Saviour in the twinkling of an eye.
We were hot, tired and unbelieving, but we had only one choice — to follow the directions and keep on going. God has given us His directions too — in His precious Word, the Bible. We need to study it thoroughly and follow it carefully.
We hopped back into the car and began to climb toward Butte Creek Summit. Just four miles now to Kinzua, and still no trees. And then, suddenly, we were at the top. What a sight! All down the eastern side of the mountain the trees were thick thousands of them — tall, strong western pines. We’d arrived!
Only those of us who belong to the Lord Jesus will be taken to heaven when He comes. For those who are left here on earth, it will be too late! The door to heaven will be closed forever. They will be left behind for judgment.
Today there is still time to come to the Saviour. He has not closed that door— yet. If you are thinking right now, “Maybe tomorrow,” stop for a moment... not one of us knows if we have a tomorrow. Come to Jesus right now! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 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).
ML-09/20/1987