THE steamship Central America I was on a voyage between New York City and San Francisco. When she was some distance from land a bad leak was noticed. The crew immediately set to work to stop the leak but were unable to make more than temporary repairs. In the darkness of the night they shot distress flares into the air. Any other ship seeing such flares would know what they meant: a ship was in serious trouble.
The flares were seen by another ship which immediately changed course to go to the aid of the Central America. When they were within hailing distance, the captain of the rescue vessel called out to ask the condition of the other.
“We are in bad repair, and we are going to sink. Please stay by us until morning,” was the answer.
“Let me take your passengers on board now,” said the captain.
“No, we will wait until morning. It will be easier to make the transfer in daylight.”
Once again the captain of the rescue ship called, “You had better let me take them now.”
Again the offer was refused with the call, “Wait until the morning.”
The captain of the rescue ship could do no more, so he retired to his cabin. On deck the crewmen went about their duties, looking from time to time toward the Central America whose lights shone through the darkness. But suddenly there were no lights! Without warning, without sound, the Central America sank beneath the waves. Not one person was saved.
How solemn. The passengers and crew trusted the captain. The captain knew the ship was sinking, the rescue ship was standing nearby, ready and willing to save all, but the captain foolishly thought there was a better time coming to be saved. The time to be saved was NOW.
Who are you trusting? Is someone telling you there is plenty of time to be saved from your sinful condition? Dear friend, you are in imminent danger of eternal destruction. You must have to do with God about your sins and if you leave that until after death, you will stand before God condemned to a lost eternity in hell.
God in His wondrous love has prided a way for you to be saved. He gave His Son an offering for sin. Jesus died to atone for sins and now He stands with arms open wide, inviting all to come to Him and be saved.
The Lord Jesus came down from heaven to be here on earth as a man. As the blessed and holy Son of Man He died on Calvary’s cross. He rose from the grave, went back to heaven and from heaven He now invites you to be saved. Salvation is by faith; simply believe in Him, put your trust in Him as the Saviour.
Soon this free salvation will be offered no more. That same Son of man, Christ Jesus, is coming back this time to take away all who have put their trust in Him. Be saved today. Tomorrow may be too late.
ML-01/06/1963