by George Sweeting
Once long ago, a prince asked that his tutor prepare him for the life beyond.
“There is plenty of time for that when you are old,” the tutor replied.
“No!” exclaimed the prince. “I have been to the cemetery and measured the graves, and there are many shorter than I am.”
The prince was wise, for the Bible says, “What is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). Tomorrow may be too late to take God seriously!
A cartoon was once published in three parts. In the first scene, there was a young man seated at a desk. At his shoulder stood Jesus Christ, inviting him to be saved. Politely he told the Lord that he was just launching his career and had no time for anything else.
The second scene showed a middle-aged man. He was heavier and well-dressed, and his larger desk was covered with papers and reports. Again Christ stood at his elbow. But again the man replied with the same answer—no time, busy, tomorrow.
The last picture showed an old and graying man at his desk. At his shoulder stood not the Savior, but the gaunt, bony specter of Death. Death, speaking in hollow tones, declared, “I have come for you.” The businessman, with frightened eyes, replied, “Go away, Death. I did not send for you.” But Death refused to be sent away, and the man was ushered into eternity without God.
Tomorrow is the fitting epitaph for many tombstones.
Tomorrow sounds so innocent, but it can be life’s most dangerous word.
Tomorrow is the barred and bolted door that has shut many people out of Heaven.
God has never promised us tomorrow. The Bible implores, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow... now is the day of salvation” (Proverbs 27:1a; 2 Corinthians 6:2b). Those who expect to repent and turn to Christ tomorrow may die today!
Be ready! For what? “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The only preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today.
Be ready! How? God has already provided the way of salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died to save us from our sins and rose again from the dead to give us new life. Through faith in Him you can be prepared for the life beyond.
Jesus Christ promises, “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24).
Be ready! When? “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Now! Tomorrow may be too late!