Last Call

People consider the definition of “on time” to mean different things in different situations. Still, most of us see value in the discipline of punctuality as it relates to our personal interpretation of timeliness. Things like where we are going, how long we’ll be there, and even how important we consider the people involved to be have an impact on how we will use time and gauge punctuality. While punctuality is valued, American cultural generally offers a grace period and as long as you arrive within fifteen minutes of the listed start time for an event, you typically won’t be penalized for tardiness. In some cases, you may even still be considered on time.

But sometimes, being late has some serious consequences. Sometimes our biological clocks, broken showerheads, and flat tires can’t get us out of experiencing the fallout for missing the mark when it comes to being on time. There are times when a set time, is a set time. There are also times when showing up unprepared is just as serious as showing up late or not at all. Perhaps you’ve experienced the inconvenience of missing a bus or a tran. Maybe you’ve even been reprimanded at work or had your pay docked because you clocked in later than you were supposed to. Maybe you’ve arrived on time for a presentation only to find you’ve left your powerpoint at home. All of these examples can prove to be nightmares, but won’t bring our lives to screeching halts. Imagine however if being late and unprepared could cost us our lives.

A few Sunday’s ago, I was unforgivably late for church. When I arrived, the congregation was enjoying an extended time of worship and healing in the Presence of the Lord. You could feel the power and love of the King of Glory even as you entered the building! Unfortunately, I was not permitted to enter the sanctuary when I arrived. Nor were the roughly ten other individuals who stood outside the doors longing to enter and participate with the congregation. While our tardiness kept us from entering only for a few moments until service moved forward, it caused me to very soberingly recall something that Jesus reiderated in several parables: the invitation to salvation and reconciliation with God will not be open forever.

There is an already determined time and day when Jesus will return and once He does, the doors to the Kingdom will be shut to those who have not already accepted His invitation.

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, half of the virgins were unprepared when the Bridegroom came. As a result, they did not enter the wedding banquet with him. What’s worse is that when these virgins, who had been waiting for him for so long knocked on the door, the Bridegroom denied knowing them and sent them away.

In the Parable of the Wedding Banquet the wedding guest who was not wearing wedding shoes was tied up and thrown into the darkness.

These passages are sobering and should place an urgency in us to not only be ready for the return of Christ, but to also fulfill the Great Commission. As followers of Christ, our hearts should break at the thought of our sisters, coworkers, and neighbors being denied entry into the wedding feast of the Lamb.

With the resurrection of Christ, all were extended the invitation to be reconciled with God. Unfortunately, many put off responding or choose to do other things instead. Like the ones who were originally invited to the wedding banquet in the parable, they place other things as priority. Others however, are unaware that there is even an invitation extended to them.

The fulfillment of the Great Commission, our intentional efforts to make disciples, is our opportunity to bring home the prodigals, find the lost coins, and gather the harvest of God that is waiting in the fields. This opportunity is not reserved for pastors and church leaders. It is for all of us!

As followers of Christ, we can express our love for Him by being obedient to His commands. We are each offered a chance everyday to be salt and light. We are given opportunities small and great to share the gospel with people we see on the train, in the grocery store or even on the street.

There are likely even times when our hearts seem so burdened to do something or to say something to these people. There are times however when we don’t. There are times when we are too busy, or too late already or perhaps too afraid to step out. Unfortunately, this isn’t inconsequential, and like all disobedience to God can have an eternal impact. When the Lord tells us to say something to someone and we don’t, we are held responsible for the outcome. God explained it to Ezekiel this way:

“Son of man, I’ve made you a watchman for the family of Israel. Whenever you hear me say something, warn them for me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You are going to die,’ and you don’t sound the alarm warning them that it’s a matter of life or death, they will die and it will be your fault. I’ll hold you responsible. But if you warn the wicked and they keep right on sinning anyway, they’ll most certainly die for their sin, but you won’t die. You’ll have saved your life (Ezekiel 3:17-19 MSG).

As we approach Easter, let’s honor God, by sharing the good news about Jesus! As we celebrate with family and enjoy long-standing traditions, may our hearts be soft toward the people around us who do not yet know the joy of salvation. Let’s also make a fresh commitment to the urgency of our mission, remembering that Christ could return at any moment and that once that once He does, it will be too late to make a decision to obey Him. Once He returns, it will be too late to choose to put Him first. This Easter season, and every day thereafter let’s choose to do just that, at any cost.

Not sure where to start? Check out this recent sermon, The Missing Sheep, by my pastor, Dr. David Ireland (Lead Pastor, Christ Church) for some key points on how to fulfill the Great Commission.