By Sandy Jones
We moved in March of 2024. A mile and a half from our new home a sign was soon put up announcing that a popular convenience store and gas station was “coming soon.” Here we are eighteen months later. The sign is still there, but no c-store.
Unlike the elusive c-store, Jesus IS coming soon, but we have to remember His version of “soon” is clearly different than mankind’s idea of “soon.”
Behold, I am coming soon… – Revelations 22:12a ESV
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. – John 14:3 ESV
In February of this year a road closure sign was put up on the fastest route from our home to the local hospital. The original projected closure dates were February 10, 2025 to August 2025. They finally reopened that intersection sometime in September. With eight trips to the ER during this time period, we definitely noticed when it ran past the projected deadline.
It’s made me stop to consider: Could it be that road construction, the inconvenience it causes, and even the delays, be used to remind us that Christians are promised eternity with Christ, but we’re not promised it will always be easy?
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” – Matthew 16:24-26 ESV
Then there’s the traffic merging signs seemingly everywhere; and anytime there’s a merging situation, there’s always that one person who needs to zip past everyone and squeeze in at the last minute.
As annoying as that person who rushes up alongside traffic only to merge in at the last minute can be, wouldn’t it be great if instead of getting upset, we all saw them as an example of our loved ones who aren’t walking with the Lord quite yet, those who are getting up there in years, and perhaps at the very last possible moment invite Him into their hearts?
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. – Luke 15:7 NIV
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but one time I turned the wrong way on a one-way street. Fortunately there was no traffic coming, and I quickly righted my wrong, all the while hoping nobody saw me.
I doubt that it could have been less embarrassing, but it also could have been a reminder that Jesus tells us there is only “one way” to salvation.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 NIV
One of the things I appreciate as I travel around the Treasure Valley is that there seems to be more and more lights that are set up for legal U-turns. I’m so grateful for the time in my life when I was the prodigal, when I got lost, and was able to do a U-turn – encouraged to actually – and was welcomed back into His fold.
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep’.” – Luke 15:3-6 NIV
Signs are everywhere, and since perception is reality, perhaps it’s time we all looked for the hidden messages behind them. Messages of hope and promise; reminders of God’s love for each and every one of us.
In closing may I leave you with this thought? As topsy-turvy as the world seems these days, I invite you to ponder the following verses often. Commit them to memory, and do your best to make them a daily habit. There’s far too much division in our world today – and, I believe, if we all live out these Scriptures, we will find that we’re much more alike, our dreams and goals are much more similar, than some would have you believe. What parent wants their children suffering from division? I’m certain our Heavenly Father’s heart aches to see so much of this in our world today.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:16-17
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40
From our family to yours: May you have a blessed holiday season, keeping in mind that God is still on the throne; know that He has a plan – we’re simply called to be faithful to do what He has asked us to do!
Until next time…
God Bless!
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