Mr. and Mrs. Lethom were on their way to visit some friends. Since their friends lived on the other side of the bay, they knew they would have to take a ferryboat to cross over. But they had never been in the area before and did not know which road to take to the ferryboat landing. They decided to ask someone.
They saw a police station, so Mr. Lethom went in to ask the way. The officer knew the road quite well and gave them good directions. He also knew what time the ferry was to leave. Looking at the clock he said, “You will just make it if you drive the speed limit!”
When you have a problem you have never faced before, there is someone you can ask for help. God made you and knows all about you: what you like and what you don’t like. And He knows what you really need. But more than this, He loves you and wants you to be happy. He has given us a book; it is the Bible. We learn from the Bible that what we need most is salvation, because we are all sinners: “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). God doesn’t only tell us that we need to be saved from our sins, He also tells us how He has provided the way to be saved: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15).
The police officer not only told the Lethoms how to get where they wanted to go, but he also told them they would have to hurry. This is what God also tells us, “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). There should be no waiting around!
Mr. Lethom thanked the officer and started out driving at the speed limit. The road was winding and hilly, but they were making good time that is, until they caught up to a car that wasn’t in a hurry. It was impossible to pass the slow car for some time. Oh, how they wished for a straight stretch of road so they could pass!
Finally, the Lethoms were able to pass the slow car and hurry on toward the ferry. At last they came around the final bend only to discover the ferryboat was 50 feet from shore and moving away! They were too late. How disappointing it was. They would have to wait a whole hour for the next ferryboat crossing!
Can you guess what happened next?
Mr. Lethom suddenly said to his wife, “Look, the ferry has stopped moving. It’s coming back!” Sure enough, the captain had seen them and returned for them so they would not have to wait for the next trip. Mr. and Mrs. Lethom were thankful to the Lord for this and waved a “thank-you” to the captain on his way back.
Here is where our story is different from the Bible. If you miss a ferryboat, even if it doesn’t back up for you, there is always another one. But, if you miss the coming of the Lord Jesus because you wanted to wait until you were a little older to be saved, or you were afraid of what your friends might say, or for any other reason, you will NEVER have another opportunity. NEVER!
The Bible tells us faithfully that those who miss the coming of the Lord Jesus will be left behind for judgment. Later He will come “from heaven... in flaming fire taking vengeance on [punishing] them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7,87And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Thessalonians 1:7‑8).
Don’t let anything or anyone make you miss salvation and the coming of the Lord Jesus. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).
Do it now and be in time!
ML-09/22/1991