Heed the warning

"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" Matthew 3:1-2 BSB

As I came around the corner on my run early yesterday morning, I immediately saw the flashing lights and the huge sign that read "MOWERS AHEAD" in all capital letters on the MODOT truck parked a ways up the road from where I was running. Needless to say, this was obviously a warning for motorists to proceed with caution around the large tractors in front of the truck that would soon be pulling out to cut the grass alongside Highway 17. And a person would not only be wise to be take heed of the warning sign to avoid hitting the slow moving mowers but to avoid any debris that might fly out from underneath the blades; debris that could cause damage to themselves or to their vehicles.

And you know, while paying attention to warning signs is crucial to our well-being, we would do well to listen to and share the words of warning John the Baptist spoke as he prepared the way for Jesus 2,000 years ago, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." A warning that is just as relevant to the world today because the Bible is clear that Jesus is coming back again. And while none of us can be certain of the exact time and day when the trumpet will sound and Christ will return, we can tell with certainty that the behavior of people and the chaotic events taking place in our world right now are the exact things Paul warned Timothy would mark the end times. Which is the reason it is crucial that people turn from their sin and follow Jesus Christ today... before it's too late. 

So sound the alarm bell my friend. Tell others that Jesus is coming soon. It could be tonight. It could be tomorrow. It could be next year or it could even be 100 years from now. No one knows for sure. But we do know that there will be no second chances for those people who have not repented when the Lord comes back. And let it not be because we have not spoken up. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You are coming back soon to take your children home to be with You for eternity. Help us to be bolder than we ever have before Lord to stand on what we know to be the Truth and to speak it to a world that is growing increasingly hostile to any mention of your Name. Help us to be as radical and courageous as John the Baptist that we might save the souls of many that will enter hell for eternity if they don't make the decision to follow You now. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

At Your feet - Casting Crowns