Brian was a new employee at the general store where we went to have some keys made. He turned the rack of key blanks until he found one he thought would match our house key. “Great!” he said as he laid it against our key to see if it matched. “I chose the right blank the very first time . . . but this is a double-cut key, and I’m not sure I know how to operate the machine to make that kind.” He tried for a few minutes, then went to find someone who knew more about it than he did.
“Brian,” said the second man, “as soon as I have an opportunity I must teach you how to make double-cut keys.” And to me he said quietly, “He chose the wrong blank too.” Then as he inserted the blanks and began cutting, he added, “The girls usually run the key machine, but I’m sure these keys will be perfect.”
When the four keys I had asked for were finished, I paid for them and took them home.
Earle, my husband, tried the first three keys in the lock. None of them fit. The fourth key went in and with some difficulty opened the door, but Earle could not get it out of the lock. During the next half hour he used all the tools we had to try to get that key out of the lock, but with no success. Finally, there was nothing left to do but go back to the store.
We find everything is imperfect in this world even though some people boast that the world is getting better and better. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1-31This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (2 Timothy 3:1‑3) “that in the last days . . . men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy . . . trucebreakers.” These are just some of the things in a long list that describes what we are and how we act without God. All of us are included in this sad description, for “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). But you can be perfect in Christ Jesus, but not with your sins. Wouldn’t you like to have all those sins washed away and to be made perfect in God’s sight?
This is how God has made it possible. When the Lord Jesus died on the cross He bore the sins of every person who would trust in Him for their salvation. God loves us so much He punished His own dear Son so that He wouldn’t have to punish us. We simply need to come to God and confess our helpless, sinful condition, and He will forgive us for the sake of His beloved Son.
Earle went back to the store to tell them about the problem with our imperfect keys. They gave him a special lubricant to spray into the lock. With the help of the lubricant and another half hour’s work, he was finally able to get the key out. Then he had to make another trip to the store to get four new keys.
This time one of the girls cut the keys. “That was the boss that made the first set,” she said as she examined them closely to see why they hadn’t worked. “And he used the wrong blanks.”
Even the boss, or other people who seem very important to us, can make mistakes and lead us astray. We can’t afford to make mistakes with our never-dying souls. We must trust our lives to the risen Lord Jesus who said, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:1818I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:18). Trust Him. He loves you. He died and rose again to open the door of heaven for you. And He makes no mistakes - ever.
CRASH!
ML-02/20/1994