#170 DO NOT DELAY 9-21-26
There are some things we can put off.
A phone call.
A chore.
A trip to the store.
A decision about what to eat for dinner.
But there is one decision we dare not postpone forever.
Our response to Jesus Christ.
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The word “now” carries an urgency that cannot be ignored. Salvation is not a matter to be placed on tomorrow’s calendar. Tomorrow is a promise God has never made to us.
Do not delay.
Felix heard Paul preach “about faith in Christ” and trembled. He answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24:24-25). Felix had heard enough to be convicted, but he wanted another time.
The Bible never tells us that the convenient time came.
That is the danger of delay. We imagine that postponing a decision leaves the decision unchanged. It does not. A heart can become accustomed to resisting the voice of God. Conviction can be ignored until it becomes easier to ignore. What once disturbed us may eventually cease to disturb us.
Do not delay.
Jesus told a story about a rich man whose fields produced abundantly. He decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. He said to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19).
But God said, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you” (Luke 12:20).
His problem was not that he had made plans. His problem was that he planned for everything except eternity.
He had barns.
He had possessions.
He had years in his imagination.
But he did not have tomorrow.
Do not delay.
The prodigal son eventually came to himself and returned home (Luke 15:17-20). The Father was waiting. Grace was available. The door was open.
That same grace calls us today.
Jesus still says, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28). He still stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). He still invites the thirsty to come and drink freely from the water of life (Revelation 22:17).
Why wait?
What are we waiting for?
A better life?
A more convenient season?
A cleaner past?
More knowledge?
More time?
We may tell ourselves that someday we will get serious about God. Someday we will obey. Someday we will make things right. Someday we will come home.
But someday is not a day on the calendar.
James reminds us that life is “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). The brevity of life makes the urgency of eternity unmistakable.
Do not delay.
If you need to repent, repent.
If you need to forgive, forgive.
If you need to obey Christ, obey Him.
If you have wandered, come home.
If you have never trusted the Savior, seek Him while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).
There is mercy today.
There is grace today.
There is opportunity today.
There is Christ today.
And today is enough.
“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).
Tomorrow may come.
Tomorrow may not come.
But Jesus is calling now.
Do not delay.
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Lord Jesus, help us never to presume upon tomorrow. Give us tender hearts that respond when You call, courage to obey when You command, and wisdom to understand the brevity of our lives. May we seek You today, follow You today, and never allow delay to become an excuse for disobedience. Amen.
BDD
