A few months ago I attended a series of lectures at our local visitors and convention center. I always look forward to going downtown with all its hustle and bustle and listening to the distinctive sounds of our growing city. Whether for a sporting event or just for dinner the trip is always exciting.
While at the conference I went outside during one of the coffee breaks to enjoy the warmth of a pleasant and sunny afternoon. While relaxing on a bench I noticed a man and woman handing out leaflets to those passing by. Time after time these walkers glanced quickly at the handouts and promptly tossed them aside. Finally my curiosity got the best of me and I found myself reaching for one of their flyers. It was a circular giving hope to those seeking God’s redemptive grace.
I wasn’t surprised by the content but was shocked by the number of people who discarded God’s message so abruptly and without any serious thought. It amazed me to see so little interest on a subject with such over-riding eternal significance. Soon the sidewalk surrounding the couple was littered with unread Scripture and His perpetual verses of assurance. It literally broke the heart of this follower of Christ to witness the total disregard they had for God’s truth and design. It was also crushing to watch the unsaved walk upon and trample their application for the everlasting promise of peace, rest and love.
“Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God:
sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you,
provided that you continue in his kindness.
Otherwise you also will be cut off.”
Romans 11:22
I began to wonder if these unsuspecting rejecters would ever realize how close they came to a life changing moment or, at the very least, to simply consider the offer made of God’s guaranteed sanctuary of salvation. That day I received a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father must suffer, at the time of the final judgment, as He watches with sadness all those who turned away with indifference and rejection.
Listen to the words of Jesus as written by the Apostle John,
“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words;
the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.”
John 12:48
Luke 10:16
Manna and Coffee 