“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)
Consumer analysts who track the whims of shoppers report that gift cards are being purchased this Christmas season in record numbers. It is one more indication of the quality of life that we enjoy. In other words, we are hard to shop for because we have just about everything we need.
Be careful if you were on the receiving end of a gift card. Some of them come with an expiration date. If you do not use it by the date that is shown on the card, then the card becomes worthless and cannot be redeemed for a purchase.
According to scriptures, God’s offer of salvation can expire, too, much like a gift card. While it’s not always the case, the Bible teaches that the call to salvation will not be offered repeatedly. The Apostle Paul – in writing to the church at Rome – hints at what can happen when an unbeliever ignores God’s call upon his life.
“For the wrath of God,” he wrote, “is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them…And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:18-19, 28-32)
We often see people turn their backs to God’s call for salvation. I remember a friend in a church I used to attend for whom I would pray every time my pastor issued an invitation. I believed he was lost. His mother once told me that he was aware that God is calling him, but was too proud to respond. When the invitation was given at the end of the service, I would look his way, hoping to see a lifted hand, responding to my pastor’s invitation. I wondered then and still do wonder how long the Lord will continue to knock on the door of the hearts of those who like my friend are too proud to respond; or worse yet, I think many of our friends just fail to recognize the knock for what it is because they simply don’t recognize the Lord’s call on their life any longer.
The Christmas season will soon be over, but the gift that it brings is eternal. So as we look forward to the year ahead, let’s ask God to keep us ever mindful of the joy of knowing him and the need to share that knowledge with others, not just in word, but in how we live our lives.
Remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)
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