A Matter of Timing

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; 6:1-2; James 4:13-14

For the first time in his life, Braden really listened to the sermon at church. “Now is the time to come to Jesus,” said Pastor Derks. “Don’t have bad timing on this issue, friends. Later may be too late.” Braden felt like he should confess his sin and ask Jesus to forgive him, but he just didn’t want to give in right then. The other kids might laugh, he thought, and besides, I’m still young—there should be plenty of time later.

In gym class the next day, the kids played soccer. Braden loved the game—in fact, he was the best player in his class. “This will be a piece of cake,” he told his friend Colton after teams were assigned.

Colton nodded. “We’ll beat those guys for sure.”

But to Braden’s surprise, the other team got ahead and stayed ahead. Braden didn’t seem to be able to make any good plays. The score was two to nothing with just over a minute left to play when Colton came from nowhere and skillfully stole the ball and made a goal. The score was now two to one.

Mr. Berg, the gym teacher, was looking at his stopwatch and holding his whistle in his mouth, ready to signal the end of the game, when Colton again made a terrific steal. This time, he passed the ball to Braden, who was standing right in front of the goal. “Kick it in!” Colton shouted.

“Come on, Braden! Tie the score!” another teammate yelled. Braden swung his leg and kicked, but he moved a little too late. An opponent had just enough time to move in front of him and block his shot right as Mr. Berg blew his whistle to end the game.

“I noticed your timing was off today, Braden,” said Mr. Berg as they headed to the locker room.

“Yeah,” said Braden. He knew that with good timing, he could have tied the score. Then Braden thought of something else. What if I have bad timing—like Pastor Derks said yesterday—and wait too long to trust in Jesus?

The other boys left the locker room, but Braden stayed behind and bowed his head to quietly tell Jesus he wanted Him to be his Savior. – Alan A. Sawyer

How About You?

Have you made the decision to trust Jesus as your Savior? Or do you think there’s no hurry? Today’s Scripture reading is a reminder that life passes quickly—it’s like a vapor that is soon gone. Maybe you’ll live until you’re old; but maybe not. Now is the time to trust in Jesus. Don’t wait! (See :The ABCs of Salvation” on the right column of this page..)

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 6:2 Now is the right time! See! Now is the day to be saved. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Now is the time to be saved